Agenda - 08-20-1996 - X-C - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 fill in as needed throughout an organization. Most employers will establish minimal levels of proficiency for every employee. The use of technical manuals, data, and computerized tools will be an expectation. Computer-aided devices and equipment will be found at nearly every workplace; therefore, emerging job skills that enhance troubleshooting, tool selection, and technical skills will be essential. Employers who deliver human services and customer services will expect good oral communication and verbal skills. Potential employees will be expected to ascertain customer needs, determine the best approaches to meet these needs and communicate these needs to team members and customers. Emerging job skills that encompass assessing human needs, determining safety limits, performing critical thinking, and managing priorities will be useful. Coping - world of work skill training The workplace requires skills that are based in social and behavioral realms. Employees are expected to understand the values and norms of others and to respect diversity and difference. Tasks are generally accomplished by teams and workgroups. Such an environment requires that employees understand the value of dialogue, conflict management and resolution, and tolerance for ambiguity. Coping skills are important components of the work ethic, and as such, should be used to prepare potential employees for workplace challenges. Basic skills that advance team work include understanding supervision, acceptance of responsibility, and cooperative assistance with others. The recognition of cultural diversity and the influence of culture on individuals is a prime requirement for this region of North Carolina. Orange County employers will serve a wide variety of customers, and an understanding of tolerance and respect for diversity are skills that even entry-level employees will require. Employees must also understand limits of acceptable behavior, expectations for job attendance, dependability, and timeliness. Basic skills in following instructions, giving directions, and communicating issues and data will be a benefit to employers. Listening skills are often the basis for customer service;they are essential in team work. The ability to follow simple and often complex instructions should be present. All of these coping skills may be assumed to be in place for the successful employee,but the absence of any or a combination of these skills will surely affect the employee's success. Incentives for employers Employers are being expected to assume greater risks when they employ unskilled or untrained employees. The expense of training and developing skills adds economic pressure and costs to products and services. Therefore, it is practical to provide employers with incentives that reward a willingness to participate in training programs and skill development. Employers should be given the opportunity and encouragement to develop reward systems that facilitate skill development and also assure a sharing of costs and risks. Money directed to human services and training programs should be made available to employers who participate in skill development. Subsidies that can offset additional training costs will motivate employers to participate in non-traditional training and mentoring opportunities. A direct outcome will be the acceptance of these potential employees and a recognition of partnership between human service agencies and employers as they move toward the mutual goal of beneficial employment. Partnerships that produce successful programs can be highlighted and replicated in