KCDEE hosts a variety of workshops in the one-stop centers.  If you are interested in participating in any of the workshops please contact one of our Career Resource Center Representatives in a One-Stop location near you. Click on one of the following cities to send an email to participate in the soft skills workshops in , , or DeKalb Workshops

To find out more about the services available to you as a job seeker you may attend a presentation about how you can qualify for many free services.

• Elgin - Monday and Thursday at 1:30PM.
• N. Aurora - Monday at 1:30PM and Thursday at 10AM.

The Career Skills Improvement Series titles include: Job Search Potential; Success in the Today's Workplace; Customer Service; and, Basic Computer Skills.

KCDEE workshop titles include: Moving Forward - Reintegration; Career Exploration Workshop; and, Sorting It Out – Career Choices.

Workshop Calendars
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Workshops in the Illinois workNet Centers - DeKalb | Elgin | N. Aurora

Job Search Potential

• Developing an Employment Plan - Identify short-term work goals, match interests and aptitudes to employment areas; match attitudes, personality types and physical capabilities to job area; identify career information from counseling sources
• Seeking Employment Opportunities - Locate resources for finding employment opportunities; evaluate job opportunities; identify job requirements and steps in applying for a job; prepare materials to network on job leads; learn how to complete a job application; demonstrate ability to communicate in English; demonstrate ability to do basic math.
• Applying for Employment Opportunities - Write a job application (cover) letter;  prepare for a job interview; prepare a resume; write an interview follow-up letter;  prepare for a job interview; identify attire for a job interview; review top 20 interview questions; role play interview behavior
• Accepting Employment - Identify conditions for employment; accept or reject employment offer; demonstrate drug and alcohol-free status; complete state and federal tax forms; complete I-9 and other employment-related forms

Basic Computer Skills

• Computer Keyboarding - Learn the basics of operating in Windows and viewing your desktop, learn how to use a mouse, and begin a basic typing program.  Learn how to customize your desktop
• File Organization - Learn how to manage files; view files and folder lists; create and rename files; search for, delete and restore files; create shortcuts to files and folders; and how to print a document
• Internet - Learn how to explore careers, job opportunities, and job search resources on the WEB.  Examine e-mail basics, and learn how to use these new tools to find a job.

Customer Service

• Customer Service Basics - Understanding why we need to improve customer service; Understanding customers expectations; Practice techniques for handling complaints; and, How to meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Non-Defensive Communications - Recognizing signs of defensiveness; Understand defensiveness chain; Take responsibility; and, Five skills of non-defensive communication: disengage, empathize, inquire, disclose, and depersonalize
• Basic Principles Of Collaboration - Focus on Situation, issue or the behavior not the person; Maintain self-confidence & self esteem of others; Maintain constructive relationships with customers, employees, co-workers and managers; Taking the initiative to make things better; and, Lead by example

Success in the Workplace

• Communicating on the Job - Identify work related terminology and barriers to communication; listening skill assessment; demonstrate ability to communicate in English; follow oral and written directions; ask questions about tasks.
• Maintaining Professionalism - Clarifying employer expectations – attendance, quality work, willingness to learn, initiative, responsibility, and understanding policies and procedures; understanding verbal, vocal and visual communication; Clarifying roles and responsibilities; demonstrate how to treat others with respect; participate in meetings in a positive and constructive manner.
• Interpersonal Relationships & Conflict Resolution - Define conflict; identify a framework for reconciling differences; learn how to respond to praise or criticism and channel emotional reactions; identify proper ways to resolve conflict, display a positive attitude and be cooperative; learn effective listening skills
• Coping with Stress - Alter; Avoid; Accept; building resistance and changing perceptions; learn tools to manage expectations and build self-esteem; and identify ways to redefine the situation; learn ways to navigate change by your reactions and others.
• Time Management - Learn ways to focus your time and decide what is urgent versus not urgent; identify ways to set smart goals and priorities.
• Teamwork & Problem Solving - Define a team: identify and solve problems; identify tools and skills for team effectiveness; learn a model for decision-making.

Moving Forward - Reintegration - Learn what employment obstacles exist for offenders and options for overcoming these obstacles and securing employment.
N. Aurora - 1st & 3rd Monday
Elgin - 2nd & 4th Monday

Career Exploration Workshop - Begin to research careers and identify potential training providers. This workshop is offered by appointment only.

Sorting It Out – Career Choices - This workshop is a combination of activities that will lead to a better understanding of what career the participant is interested in, researching the rate of pay and developing employment goals for specific careers.
N. Aurora - 2nd & 4th Thursday
Elgin - 1st & 3rd Thursday

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