An Integrated Approach to Workforce Development
February 7, 2014
Integrated Technical and Soft Skills Training
Project IOWA combines technical skills trainings with a soft-skills curriculum in the context of a
relationship-based approach to workforce development. Technical skill trainings are offered based on
what area businesses need, and currently include welding, certified production technician, and
certified nursing assistant classes. Soft-skills trainings use a “Vision, Initiative and Perseverance
(VIP)” curriculum that emphasizes goal setting, emotional management skills, communication skills,
workplace behavior and expectations, and resume-writing and interviewing.
During the 12-16 week program, cohorts of 12 participants meet 3 nights per week for technical skills
and one night per week for soft skills. The classes work synergistically, with technical skills trainings
providing a context for developing soft skills and the soft skills classes providing an opportunity to
work through workplace situations that develop during the technical skills trainings.
Instructors intentionally develop tension and unfair situations in the
classes in order to simulate and work through challenges commonly
encountered in the workplace. Although influenced by the sanctuary
model of trauma-informed care, soft-skills classes are not therapy.
Rather, they focus on why participants sometimes react to workplace
situations in unproductive ways, with the philosophy that
understanding plus practice leads to change.
The relational emphasis of Project IOWA begins with recruitment
interviews, in which applicants’ abilities, skills, career goals and
barriers are discussed. Applicants whose goals would be better
addressed by other programs are given referrals. The relational focus
continues after graduation, with participants receiving ongoing
support or up to a year and continuing contact with employers about
placements. Project IOWA and Goodwill Industries partner to provide
employment placement and retention services.
Project IOWA is about graduation not just an education, and creates opportunities that produce life
changing transformation. For more information, please contact Ms. Julie Fugenschuh at
[email protected] or 515-280-1502.
Page | 91