Page 76 - August Life In Naples Magazine

HODGES UNIVERSITY TO LAUNCH

PROFESSIONAL EFFECTIVENESS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

A s workforce development and training in Southwest

Florida continue to appear in headlines throughout our
region, the need for answers and solutions grows more
urgent each day. The need is continually articulated
ranging from the narrow context of an employer’s access to suitable
skilled labor to close a specific employment gap, to the broad
context of enhanced regional economic development.
Hodges University has been and remains a key player in the
discussion surrounding workforce development and training.
Hodges has collaborated with Florida Gulf Coast University
(FGCU) and Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW)
as part of the regional Workforce Now research initiative to FROM L TO R: JEIDDY OTERO, MOVIANA ST. VIL, JACQUELYN CHEVERIE, ANDREA FORTIN
identify critical employment gaps and alignment between jobs (SEATED), YESENIA SANCHEZ, DANAYS IZQUIERDO AND CAROL WILLIAMS WITH
CAREERSOURCE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
and professional degrees offered. One thing we discovered is
a core need identified by many employers in the region for
foundational skills training, and Hodges is directly addressing PEC program completers:
this training deficiency with our Professional Effectiveness • Demonstrate the ability to give full attention to what others
Certificate (PEC) program. are saying through active listening skills.
Launching in fall 2018, the program is a competency-based • Use high-quality, professional written skills to project a
certificate that prepares individuals with the knowledge, skills, and positive image of the business.
abilities needed to be successful in today’s workplaces. Hodges • Demonstrate the importance of immediately acknowledging
University faculty has developed this program to address this issue every customer in a friendly manner.
by working with major regional employers and workforce agencies, • Effectively handle unpleasant or angry customers.
including Arthrex, Chico’s, and Lee Health, as well as with the • Consider culture when communicating with others.
FutureMakers Coalition, the Southwest Florida Community • Demonstrate the ability to foresee problems, resolve conflicts,
Foundation, CareerSource of Southwest Florida, FSW, and the and prevent them from happening (problem-solving).
Lee County School District. The curriculum development was • Balance conflicting priorities in order to manage workflows,
funded by the Southwest Florida Community Foundation and ensure the completion of essential projects, and meet critical
Hodges University. deadlines (task management).
Using employer input as well as information gathered from • Exhibit the ability to arrive on time (punctuality).
the Department of Labor (DOL) and O*Net online to serve as It may seem as if many of the above skills are elementary;
a guide, PEC is designed to improve an individual’s marketable however, employers in Southwest Florida – and indeed worldwide
skills and workforce competencies that are essential to even the – continually report applicants lack some or all of these skills,
fastest growing occupations. The PEC program serves as a market making it difficult for their business or organization to thrive and
for individuals seeking employment and who want to improve succeed. Hodges University is thrilled to be able to offer this truly
their opportunity for an interview and success on the job, as well as first in the world educational product to the direct benefit of the
employers in need of retraining their employees. Southwest Florida economy.
Students who enroll in the program complete five courses and As a member of the Southwest Florida community, Hodges
can earn up to nine digital badges while mastering more than University will continue to play an integral role in providing
40 competencies, which were defined and articulated by local opportunities and services to our local workforce. As we continue
employers. Once the individual demonstrates mastery of a specific to work alongside higher education institutions and local
competency and creates an e-portfolio upon successful completion employers, we believe collaboration is a key component of our
of a hands-on designed assessment, he or she will earn a digital region’s workforce development and economic opportunities.
badge. The program is fully customizable based on the needs of the To learn more about the PEC program, contact Hodges’ Office
employer or individual pursuing the certificate. of Admissions at 800.466.0019.

76 Life in Naples | Aug/Sept/Oct 2018