High school may teach you algebra or the origin of the quote, “Four score and seven years ago.” But one thing most high schools don’t teach is work readiness. Many people graduate high school with no real work experience and are thrown into the workforce without the safety net of these important skills. 

Finding the first job without prior workforce experience is next to impossible. Very few employers want to take a chance on a novice, even if they have a great work ethic. Some places, like Neurodiversity Pathways, offer workplace readiness programs for those who lack work experience. 

Workplace readiness training can teach people the so-called soft skills necessary for getting a foot into the workforce. 

What Are Soft Skills And Why Are They Important?

Soft skills are qualities that allow humans to interact with one another. A positive attitude, critical thinking, the ability to work well with others, and listening skills are a few examples of soft skills. Some people feel that soft skills are inherent and can’t be taught or learned. However, companies that provide workplace readiness disagree with that assessment. 

In fact, it’s their belief that soft skills are more important than hard skills when working in a public setting. Hard skills are technical skills and the knowledge associated with such skills. The foundation of workplace readiness is building one’s soft skills to interact seamlessly with both customers and coworkers, as well as improving communication skills and punctuality and much more!

Methods And Skills That Help Prepare for Gainful Employment

The main purpose of job readiness programs is to help businesses and potential employees work together to create an ideal work environment for people in all areas of the neurodiverse spectrum. Unfortunately, many people are never taught or acquire the means to hold a steady job. Some of the problems they face are the inability to focus, lack of punctuality or difficulty working with others. 

Workplace readiness programs are meant to help inexperienced workers learn a variety of skills. Some of the training courses include: 

• Internships or On-The-Job Paid Training. Neurodiverse individuals are sometimes given job coaches to assist them with learning what their employers expect from them. The job coaches routinely check-in to monitor the individual’s progress. 

• Financial Literacy. Many people are simply not good at managing their money. Financial literacy courses provide information on how to create and stick to a budget, as well as how to set aside savings for the future.

• Leadership Training. This type, of course, is for individuals who excel at soft skills, such as interacting with others and other qualities that would make a good leader or supervisor. 

• Job-Seeking Assistance. Finding the right job that fits your skills and experience is difficult for everyone. For neurodiverse individuals, the lack of social skills can make the process downright impossible. Job-seeking assistance can include practising interview skills, navigating appropriate vs. inappropriate behavior and much more. 

Enroll In Workplace Readiness Programs Today to Change Your Tomorrow

If you feel nervous and uncertain about joining the workforce with your current level of soft skills, workplace readiness programs can help you build your confidence. In many cases, they can continue to offer assistance even after an individual has found employment.