The Workforce Development Professionals Network (WDPN.net), a partnership of FREEdLANCE Group for Career & Workforce Innovation, Duquesne University and Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh, is proud to present a unique certification program for front-line Job Corps staff. This program was developed from skills identified by Job Corps staff as being the most critical for effective implementation of CDSS principles and provision of empowering case management services.

The Facilitating Youth Career Development certification is an introductory course that provides hands-on instruction and experience to help staff gain skills and knowledge in:

• Youth development principles & practices
  
• The effective use of career assessments
  
• Researching, understanding and using labor market information to explore careers
  
• Frameworks for understanding and making career decisions
  
• Developing effective career plans, including goal setting and action planning
  
• Career facilitation skills

WDPN uses a unique, hands-on approach to staff skill development. Staff will actively participate in exploring career decision-making with youth through a series of hands-on learning activities and case studies. They will have an opportunity take various career assessments, use the Internet to research labor market information, and participate in individual and team projects and presentations.

Individuals who complete the Facilitating Youth Career Development Certification will receive:

• A Certificate of Completion
  
• 4 CEUs from Duquesne University
  
• Invaluable skills and knowledge to assist them in helping youth develop effective, long term career plans.