WorkStyles

WorkStyles is a pre-employment competency-based training for individuals with limited English Language skills.  It is designed to provide the opportunity for people to learn skills for getting and keeping a job in the United States in a supportive and challenging environment. The usual format is a two-week, 60-hour intensive course.

Small group discussions, brainstorming, case studies, role plays, lectures and videotaped exercises are all utilized in the training.  While the content includes developing resumes, completing applications, and interviewing for a job, the course is actually about building confidence and self-esteem.

WorkStyles allows people to meet and overcome major obstacles -- they are "empowered" -- as they become proficient at dealing with other more manageable barriers and gain confidence in their ability to do that.  Participants are encouraged to take small risks, to do all that they can do in each of the course content areas. Class members develop skills to meet the challenges of the American employment culture and to gain some measure of control over their lives.

Interested in getting trained by Spring Institute staff to offer WorkStyles to your refugee or immigrant clients at your organization? Learn more about our Training of Trainers.

Recent WorkStyles Classes -WorkStyles is offered once or twice each month. Take a look at our most recent classes, comprised of refugees from across the globe.

WorkStyles Graduation Ceremony - At the end of the two-week intensive program, WorkStyles participants receive a Certificate of Completion, resume, and a classroom summary report. Then they involve all the guests in the ceremony through experiencing presentations and food from their native cultures.

AFTER WORKSTYLES - What do WorkStyles participants do after completing the 60-hour program and earning their Certificate of Completion? Here's a look at some graduates on their first jobs.

Training Modules

Effective Communication Active listening skills in communication Following directions accurately Body language		Interviews on Video Asking and answering "hard" questions Expressing yourself professionally
Applications Understanding application language and completing forms	Resumes and Cover Letters Identifying skills and talents	Steps to the Future Setting realistic goals and planning a career
Solving Problems at Work Conflict management techniques	Understanding a Paycheck Benefits, deductions, taxes Places to go and people to see Where and how to look for a job	Managing Stress Recognizing signs of stress and taking steps to reduce it

How to Enroll

In order to produce the greatest impact, Spring Institute provides a two week intensive format with classes held six hours each day, Monday through Friday. However, other scheduling arrangements can be accommodated depending on the size of the group in five or three-day formats.

Contact Information

For questions regarding content, referrals, and enrollment please contact Chris Tombari, Director of Language Services, at (303) 863-0188.

Reflections and an historical account of WorkStyles