FARMINGTON – A 60-hour training program will be offered in April-May for workers desiring to upgrade their employment skills. WorkReady, an employer-endorsed certificate program supported by a variety of Farmington-area businesses, will begin April 28 and run until May 22. The training sessions will be held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in the computer lab of the Cascade Brook School in Farmington.

Those interested must attend an orientation/assessment session prior to being accepted into the class. Three sessions have been scheduled at the MSAD9 Adult Learning Center, 108 Fairbanks Road, Suite 3, Farmington: April 16, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; April 23, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is no cost for participants. Call 778-3460 for an appointment. Candidates should note “WorkReady” as their program of interest and bring a birth certificate, driver’s license, Social Security card and proof of income.

WorkReady is a 60-hour, no-cost program that helps potential employees attain the foundational skills that employers are looking for. The intent of this training is to provide Maine citizens with a certificate, recognized by the Maine State Department of Education, which validates that a graduate has developed the “soft” skills necessary to be successful at work. These skills can be difficult to measure, but are vital to success in the workplace. With emphasis on “soft skills,” the WorkReady Program covers such topics as overcoming personal barriers to getting a good job and how to be a better employee. In addition, it helps trainees assess their current skill levels in communication and technology. At the end of the program, trainees participate in mock interviews and prepare a portfolio and resume.

This local training initiative is being facilitated through a partnership between MSAD 9 and 58 Adult Education, the Wilton CareerCenter, the Central/Western Workforce Investment Board and Coastal Enterprises Inc. In addition to this local partnership, several Farmington-area businesses have agreed to endorse the initiative.

For more information, contact Patty at the Wilton CareerCenter, 645-5800, or Eileen Miazga, at MSAD 9 Adult Education, 778-3460.