The ScotiaFoundation has been facilitcating the training for teenage mothers enrolled with the Women’s Centre.

Over the last seven weeks, 120 ScotiaVolunteers facilitated training in preparation for the work world, at the Women Centre Foundation locations across the island.

Entitled, “Girl’s Empowered for Motherhood and Success” the programme included sessions to help prepare these young women for the world of work.

At the one hour session, focus was placed on the need to develop strong soft skills as well as preparation for interviews. The information provided was indeed useful to almost everyone, especially to us as teenagers because it is necessary that these skills are instilled in us before the transition into the working world.

Soft skills normally refers to social graces, language, communication, personal habits, leadership among others. Basically whatever that makes a good employee and compatible to work with.

Employers want employees who can effectively work as part of a team. Being able to be a leader as well as a follower. The ladies were advised to be able to adapt in unfamiliar situations, and be prepared for the unexpected! Willingness to grow and indeed to welcome the stretching of your skills as a part of this process in the world of work.

The work force will also require the young mothers to be able to express yourself well, whether verbally or on paper or even both.

When it comes on to interviews there are certain tasks that are necessary to be carried out before the actual interview. Here are a few tips regarding basic preparation for interviews:

1 Research the role and the organisation: It is necessary to know as much as you can about the place you are willing to work at as well as the position you might be offered.

2 Find the appropriate attire: If it’s one thing that can make you unsuitable for a job is the type of clothing you wear to your interview. During the upcoming days of the interview and preparing an outfit, ask yourself these questions “Is it appropriate?”, “Am I comfortable in it?”

3 Think about the questions you might be asked: This allows you to get a feel of the interview itself. Think of questions you might be asked and try to formulate answers for the questions.

4 Think about what you as a person have to offer to the organisation: How well does your skill and experience fit into the job description.

It is very important to be on time for interviews, be organised and confident!