What is workforce development?

People need soft skills to succeed in the workforce, better meet the needs of a particular job, and advance in their careers. Employers today say the workforce has a problematic soft-skills gap, with many missing important soft skills, including good communication, teamwork, decision-making, problem-solving, leadership, and conflict resolution. (Cobo,2013; Robles,2012; Zhang,2012)

Workforce development addresses the soft-skill gaps among youth and adults to help them gain confidence to apply for their first job, advance in the workplace, improve relationships, and set career goals.  These educational programs and workshops combine soft skills with employability training in public speaking, identifying personality strengths, teamwork, leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, interviewing techniques/strategies, resume writing, career exploration, and planning.  

Our Workforce Development Programs:

  • Career Edge: Teens Taking Charge of Their Future - Offers young people (ages 14-19) the opportunity to learn and practice essential soft skills as they prepare to enter the workforce. It is appropriate for both in-school and out-of-school environments, and is adaptable for young adults looking to re-enter the workplace. The program is typically delivered twice weekly, over six to eight weeks. 
  • Exploring Your True Colors: Building an Effective Team - Offers engaging activities, such as personality assessment, Extension's outdoor team development course, portable team-building activities, and an escape room, to foster personal and professional growth for people ages 14 and up, strengthening leadership, trust, communication, and teamwork.
  • Mini Society: Youth Entrepreneurship - Offers a direct approach to teaching children (ages 10-12) how to turn their ideas into small businesses, helping them prepare for real-world careers.  
  • Military 4-H: Connecting Military youth and families to 4-H - Prepares military-connected youth (ages 6-19) the opportunity to explore their interests, develop essential life skills and grow into leaders, through our 4-H Positive Youth Development Program.