As a smart business leader, you are always analyzing your operations, trying to improve and asking questions. Where is your industry going? Is your company poised for growth? Do your employees (or potential employees) have the skills needed to be a part of that growth?

From frontline workers to professional and management staff, the demand for training increases as industries and companies expand.

While large corporations often develop in-house training to remain competitive, small businesses also need skilled employees. The Kentucky Career Center -Cumberlands can help.

Soft skills are everyday interpersonal skills that job seekers need to succeed on the job. They include communicating clearly and appropriately, remembering work directions, working well with others, and knowing how to solve problems. These skills include:

• Communicating effectively

• Conveying professionalism

• Promoting teamwork and collaboration

• Thinking critically and solving problems

The Kentucky Essential Skills Certificate shows employers that potential employees have successfully completed coursework in these skill areas and are ready to move into the workforce. The program is free for employers and employees.

For more information and registration for the Kentucky Essential Skills Certificate, contact your nearest Kentucky Career Center location. 

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The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides incumbent worker training, on-the-job training, work experience, apprenticeships and Individual Training Accounts. Training is usually offered through community and technical colleges, universities, private for profit organizations and businesses. Through a variety of training programs, WIOA helps eligible individuals find self-sustaining employment.

Kentucky Career Center offices assist individuals and to provide information about available WIOA programs and eligibility requirements. WIOA eligibility standards include age, income level, education and skills and work circumstances. 

For example, someone who has been laid off or who has received notice of a layoff as a result of a permanent closure or substantial layoff at a plant may be eligible for special assistance.

Some programs are designed especially for youth who are between the ages of 14 and 21 and have very limited income. Other programs are designed for those 18 years of age and older.

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