BELFAST — Are you currently out of work? Could your work skills use some updating? Would you like to improve your "soft skills" making yourself a better candidate for employment?

Belfast Adult Education (BAE) is offering a free WorkReady training in its upcoming fall semester. WorkReady is an employer-endorsed credential program, supported by a variety of regional businesses and is offered at no cost to eligible participants. Graduates of WorkReady become networked with local businesses that endorse the program. The training is scheduled for Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., September 26, 2017 – December 12, 2017 and will be held at BAE learning center, 6B Lions Way in Belfast. Training registration is available by calling BAE at 338-3197.

The WorkReady curriculum is designed to help job seekers upgrade their work skills for the complex workplaces of the 21st century. Ideal candidates are people who have been out of work for some time, who are looking to enter the workforce for the first time or others looking to advance in the workplace or to improve their interviewing techniques, as well as develop a stronger resume and work portfolio. Graduates of WorkReady greatly enhance their chances of success with local employers.

The WorkReady curriculum was created by Maine employers looking for employees with improved workplace skills. WorkReady will teach participants how to:

• Develop appropriate attitudes, time management and dress for the workplace

• Match their interests and skills with employment opportunities

• Communicate effectively with others

• Work as part of a team

• Problem-solve

• Develop cover letters, résumé and interview skills

• Understand basic information about wages, benefits and taxes

• Interpret and understand work-related safety information

Former training participants have noted that the trainings' mock interviews and guest visitors were a highlight, as well as assistance with resume-writing and tips for completing job applications. One former training participant said that, "WorkReady helped me a lot with my confidence because I hadn't interviewed for 20 years. It was a great refresher about important things I'd forgotten." Another participant, upon training completion, said, "I now have all the tools required to secure a job now, and I'm going to use them!"

A WorkReady Advisory Council of business community members helps link the training and its participants directly to local employers. These include Viking Lumber, Mathews Brothers, Athena Health, Bank of America, Maine Health and more.

With more and more businesses looking for candidates who have completed a work-readiness program like WorkReady, this is a great opportunity for Waldo County residents to jump start their job search and take positive steps towards a better job today!

The WorkReady Credential is endorsed by businesses statewide and including local businesses such as Bangor Savings Bank, Hannaford and the Belfast Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, or to register for the class, contact BAE's WorkReady coordinator, Denise Pendleton, at 338-3197; dpendleton@rsu71.org, General information about the statewide effort is available at www.workreadyforme.org.