FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

October 15, 2001

JENNIFER BOES, 302.672.6840

(Dover, Del.) - The Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) will present a new initiative to expand soft skills training at a November 1, 2001 workshop for Delaware trainers and educators, to be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Sheraton Dover Hotel.

Helen Groft, Director of DEDO's Workforce Development Section, said, "All employees need good soft skills to be successful. Soft skills include accepting others, understanding attendance and leave, business etiquette and flexibility in the workplace. More than a third of the companies we work with have cited soft skills training for entry-level employees as a critical need."

In addition to the presentation of a sample soft skills curriculum, the workshop will outline the process for applying for matching training funds, which are available to local employers through Workforce Development. The workshop will also feature an employer panel, where management from Delaware businesses will discuss their training needs, and a review of the newly-launched Workforce Development web site, www.delawareworkforce.com. To register for the workshop, call 302.672.6836.

John Wik, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office, said, "The workshop is part of DEDO’s ongoing effort to match the services our office provides with the needs of the business community. This is an excellent opportunity for trainers to hear what new services are in demand directly from Delaware businesses."

DEDO’s Workforce Development Section coordinates and funds employment and training activities that increase productivity and reduce employee turnover rates. The Section also provides access to human resources and training management and makes recommendations to employers to improve staffing. Workforce Development assists more than 300 Delaware companies annually, providing $1 million in training grant funding.