Over 30 individuals recently participated in a new and unique training program at Bladen Community College called “Working Smart: Soft Skills for Workplace Success”. The training program was developed by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Workforce Development Partners and was brought to the community by BCC. It is designed to provide the work and life skills or often called “soft skills” that enhance employee productivity. The training consists of four days in the classroom and Smithfield provided lunch each day for the training held at Bladen Community College.
Soft skills are quickly becoming the new yardstick for measuring success, and with good reason. Research shows that these soft skills account for as much as 85% of an individual’s success, whereas traditional “hard skills” (academics, corporate job training, IQ, etc.) only account for 15%. These “soft skills” are not typically taught in colleges and universities. And yet these are the skills that employers are clamoring for in today’s workplace. They are also the skills that can make or break a company or organization.
Dr. Amanda Lee, BCC President for Continuing Education, welcomed the group to BCC Campus and remarked “ Today’s employers are looking for people who not only have the technical skills and experience to do the job, but the “soft skills” that lead to success such as communication skills, problem solving skills, time management, and more. Working Smart was developed in response to employer demands for a workforce that has an increased capacity to fulfill employer expectations beyond their technical abilities. We were excited to bring the Working Smart training program to BCC and the community. We look forward to offering the training again in the near future.”
Employers have placed a premium on employees’ ability to communicate, to think critically and solve difficult problems, to learn new skills, to lead others, to function independently, to work as part of a team to accomplish a common goal, and to accept and thrive with constant change. This can be accomplished with soft skills training and this is a wonderful opportunity for local employers, employees and those seeking new jobs.
For more information on Working Smart and future training opportunities, contact Bladen Community College, Ms. Sondra Guyton, Vice President for Continuing Education at 910. 879.5500.
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