This One’s for the Girls
Dedication, Growth, and a Little Extra Girl Power!
Cohort #11 of WorkAdvance brought a refreshing balance, with more women than men in this session—a first for the program! But what really stood out was their unwavering commitment. Even with ice and snow making travel difficult, this was our first-ever cohort to achieve perfect attendance. That level of dedication speaks volumes about the drive and determination of these participants.
Throughout the program, the cohort tackled a comprehensive job readiness training curriculum, covering everything from workplace expectations and professional communication to problem-solving and adaptability—essential skills for long-term career success.
They also developed interpersonal skills, learned how to navigate workplace relationships, collaborate effectively in teams, and build confidence in professional settings. With guidance from our expert instructors from Owens Community College, the Aspire Program, the University of Findlay, and the Financial Opportunity Center at Habitat for Humanity, participants gained the tools to stand out as strong, prepared candidates in the job market.
The training focused on resume building and interview preparation. Participants refined their resumes, ensuring they effectively highlighted their skills, experience, and certifications. They also learned best practices for answering interview questions, making strong first impressions, and advocating for themselves in the hiring process.
A curveball came when a snow and ice day forced us to reschedule mock interviews—but in the end, it turned into an advantage. Holding them post-graduation gave our manufacturing partners a fresh perspective on the graduates and allowed participants to apply their training with renewed confidence.
As certification exams wrap up, we hope for more certified manufacturing associates and successful job placements in the coming weeks. Congratulations to Cohort #11—your resilience, growth, and commitment to your future careers are truly inspiring!