Workforce Centers to offer series of Job Readiness Workshops

VALLEY — The workforce centers in the San Luis Valley will hold a series of training events for job seekers. Job Readiness Workshops are designed to help job seekers – particularly those who are new to the job market -- with the basic skills needed to conduct an effective job search, find sustained employment and effectively market themselves to employers.

The workshops provide participants with essential job search techniques such as career planning, résumé development, interview preparation, job search and placement assistance and job retention services.

In addition, the workshops can sharpen the “people skills” that are needed to succeed in the workplace, says Workforce Center Director Betty Velasquez. “Employers have some unspoken expectations about job candidates,” she says. “There are skills that can’t be easily measured in a test but are nonetheless very critical to being successful. Our curriculum addresses the traits called soft skills that help people work well together. They are crucial finding sustained employment at wages that will ensure financial security.”

Staff at Workforce Centers in Alamosa (719-589-5118) and Monte Vista (719-852-5171) will be facilitating these free training events. They have a strong relationship with companies and recruiters in the area and know firsthand what employers are looking for. These workforce development professionals are experts in preparing job seekers to enter the job market.

Here is the schedule of Job Readiness Workshops:

Alamosa County — Trinidad State Junior College, 1011 Main Street, Room 203, Alamosa, 2nd Friday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m.

Conejos County — Department of Human Services, 12989 County Road G-6, Conference Room, Conejos, 2nd Tuesday of each month, 1:30-3 p.m.

Costilla County — Costilla County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, 400 Gaspar Street, San Luis, 3rd Thursday of each month, 1-2:30 p.m.

Blanca/Ft. Garland — Blanca/Ft. Garland Community Center Library. 17591 E Highway 160 Blanca, 3rd Thursday of each month, 3-4:30 p.m.

Job search and job readiness workshops will be held with staff providing assistance on applications, résumé preparation, interviewing, and skills needed for jobs in today’s workforce. Learn the ins and outs of an effective job search and ways to reach job and career goals.

A job seeker must learn to be his or her own professional advocate. Those who don’t have a plan in place to find job opportunities or the ability to effectively market themselves can see their employment goals stalled out, even in a thriving economy. The Job Readiness Workshops now being offered across South Central Colorado will prepare individuals with the essential job search skills needed to succeed. They are highly recommended for anyone who is entering the job market.