Learning Academy
The Learning Academy program is a six week employability skills program that focuses on “soft skills”. Soft skills relate more to emotional intelligence and are natural abilities that help us interact well with others on the following topics:(dependability, integrity, teamwork, responsibility, confidentiality, time management, work ethic, communication. etc.).
The program is structured that each week has a specific focus and students have the opportunity to explore their chosen career pathway (Health Occupations, Culinary Arts, Business Office, or Construction). Learning Academy students must commit to 100 hours of “soft skills” training where they will also be able to attain their first of two nationally recognized industry credentials. In addition, students receive basic computer skills training, job search techniques, interviewing skills, and an updated resume and cover letter. Since the main objective of the Learning Academy program is to ensure that students can demonstrate the ability to set career goals, communicate effectively, and provide excellent customer service the curriculum places an emphasis on the following topics per week:
Week #1 - Setting Career Goals: Using the SMART Method
Week #2 - Workplace Ethics: Professionalism in the Workplace
Week #3 - Overcoming Barriers to Employment Success
Week #4 - Week 5 - Employment Essentials
Part I: Job Application
Part II: Resumes, Cover Letters, and Thank You’s
Part III: Preparing for the Job Interview
Week #6 - Job Retention: You’ve Been Hired… Now What?
It is important to note that Learning Academy also incorporates a technology component, where students must create a Google account and receive assignments through Google classroom. In addition, initial certifications for each career pathway is conducted via online training programs with the support of the Learning Academy Instructor. This helps students become more comfortable when using computers and technology and understanding how they will need to keep up with current technology to be successful employees.
Learning Academy operates Tuesday - Thursday from 9:00 am- 12:00 pm and is a six week component of the 12-week training program.
The program is structured that each week has a specific focus and students have the opportunity to explore their chosen career pathway (Health Occupations, Culinary Arts, Business Office, or Construction). Learning Academy students must commit to 100 hours of “soft skills” training where they will also be able to attain their first of two nationally recognized industry credentials. In addition, students receive basic computer skills training, job search techniques, interviewing skills, and an updated resume and cover letter. Since the main objective of the Learning Academy program is to ensure that students can demonstrate the ability to set career goals, communicate effectively, and provide excellent customer service the curriculum places an emphasis on the following topics per week:
Week #1 - Setting Career Goals: Using the SMART Method
- Participants practice developing short-term and long-term career goals in alignment with their chosen career pathway.
Week #2 - Workplace Ethics: Professionalism in the Workplace
- A range of topics are covered that focuses on the six pillars of ethics (Respect, Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, Citizenship).
Week #3 - Overcoming Barriers to Employment Success
- Participants explore how certain barriers may affect their employment success and discover ways to address them. Such barriers include childcare issues, transportation, or lack of basic needs.
Week #4 - Week 5 - Employment Essentials
Part I: Job Application
Part II: Resumes, Cover Letters, and Thank You’s
Part III: Preparing for the Job Interview
- Participants are provided with the tool set to ensure that they are adequately prepared to search for employment. During these two weeks resumes and cover letters are updated, interview attire is obtained from OICNLC’s clothing closet, and mock interviews are held to teach interviewing skills and techniques.
Week #6 - Job Retention: You’ve Been Hired… Now What?
- As one of our newest topics to the Learning Academy Program, week six teaches students how to retain employment by focusing on what employers look for in an excellent employee. Topics covered include the importance of customer service, conflict resolution in the workplace, and developing problem solving skills.
It is important to note that Learning Academy also incorporates a technology component, where students must create a Google account and receive assignments through Google classroom. In addition, initial certifications for each career pathway is conducted via online training programs with the support of the Learning Academy Instructor. This helps students become more comfortable when using computers and technology and understanding how they will need to keep up with current technology to be successful employees.
Learning Academy operates Tuesday - Thursday from 9:00 am- 12:00 pm and is a six week component of the 12-week training program.