Certificate of Employability

1. Certificate of Employability A program for early improvement of soft skills among teens. Christina Van Yperen – Executive Director, Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry Julie Buck – Executive Director, Community Foundation of Grundy County Business EducationCouncil

2. Business Education Council • The Grundy CountyBusiness Education Council was created by the Grundy County Chamber and Community Foundation. It convenes business and education leaders to promote a dialogue and to work together to implement systemic improvements in the public schools to promote workforce preparedness. • The focus is to build support for business education partnerships – allowing business and education leaders to make connections, learn from each other, and identify common goals and issues. We discuss the needs of businesses, the challenges our schools face and the importance of working together to establish a well educated and trained workforce.

3. Business Education Council • As a result of these meetings several projects and programs have been created: • GEDC/GAVC Internship Program - The Grundy Economic Development Council and the Grundy Area Vocational Center work with local companies, such as LyondellBasell, D Construction, and Morris Hospital to provide about 40 paid internship opportunities for juniors and seniors in Grundy County. This was the 6th year for the program. • 8th Grade Career Fair: The purpose is to introduce 8th grade students to career opportunities available in Grundy County and to help steer students on their future educational and professional paths. All businesses plan for an interactive experience.This is the 5th year for the expo and each year more than 60 businesses participate and 1,500 students attend.

4. Certificate of Employability • The COE is the newest program out of Biz-Ed. The 2018-2019 school year is its third year. • Across industries we hear the same complaint – candidates appear qualified, but the soft skills are lacking • Formed COE to familiarize students with the expectations of the workforce to help equip them for their first job and beyond. • Schools indicate Freshmen year • Students hear from owners and managers in the local business community who teach them the skills required to work now (retail, fast food, sit-down dining, and more) and in the future (anything you can imagine). Upon completion of the program, students will earn a Certificate of Employability they attach to job applications to show employers they put in the extra effort to be their best.

5. In the words of Principal Kelly Hussey “As the Principal of Morris Community High School, I see first hand how the COE program has filled a need that allows us to connect our freshmen with community businesses in a way that they gives them an inside look at what to expect in the workplace. . .  As a result of information being shared on critical topics such as resume writing, interpersonal communication, appropriate workplace dress and behavior, respect in the workplace, and interview do's and don'ts, our students are getting a taste of what it might take to get their first job, as well as what it will take to be successful.  In our case, the joint decision to mandate only the first two meetings for all freshmen has allowed each student the choice to continue or not, and this further empowers each of them to determine if they feel comfortable and ready. No matter what, all of our students are gaining from both the two and/or six-week experiences, and those who felt compelled to go the extra-mile can even end with a mock interview experience along with tips from a business professional. ..  All things considered, this is has become a classic Win-Win opportunity for everyone involved!”

6. Certificate of Employability Skills the program covers: • Time & attendance • Customer service/presentation • Appropriate appearance • New hire paperwork • Understanding your rights as a worker • Tips for listening, following direction, and taking initiative • Respect at the workplace • Social media etiquette Companies that have presented to the students:

7. Certificate of Employability How it works: • School principal support a must • Two mandatory sessions with all freshmen, after that voluntary commitment • 7-8 sessions one/month • First session: What are soft skills? • Second session: well-known business • Work with local college workforce department– application and interview sessions • Repetition/review • End with practice interviews

8. Certificate of Employability • Interviews • Most effective exercise for students • Voluntary for students • Requires numerous volunteers that should be non-school employees • Give list of questions • Volunteers must give students feedback

11. Certificate of Employability Future goals • Recap with students their junior year • Spread the word among more businesses • Bring in a leadership speaker

12. Thank you! Christina Van Yperen, Executive Director, Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry 815-942-0113 director@grundychamber.com Grundychamber.com Julie Buck, Executive Director, Community Foundation of Grundy County 815-941-0852 Julie@cfgrundycounty.com www.cfgrundycounty.com Business Education Council