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EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT: WORK READINESS TRAINING Description of the component. Provide a summary of the activities and services. EPWRT includes intensive programs that include skill assessment and educational remediation services that prepare individuals for the workforce. Work readiness skills may include both foundational cognitive skills such as reading for information, applied mathematics, locating information, problem solving, and critical thinking and non-cognitive skills, or soft skills, which are defined as personal characteristics and behavioral skills that enhance an individual’s interactions, job performance, and career prospects such as adaptability, integrity, cooperation, and workplace discipline. Clients are required to attend classes online or receive individual instruction on basic/soft skills or skills listed above that increase work readiness. Instruction may also include, but is not limited to, improving communication skills and receiving customer service training. Aztec (online soft skill training and GED preparation) meets the requirements of this activity. Essential Education (an online soft-skill, job search, and GED preparation tool) also meets the requirements of this activity. Indicate the Target Population this component will serve. Select all that apply. ABAWDs English Language Learners Homeless Individuals who need a HSD or GED Individuals who need a credential Individuals who need a new skill Individuals with disabilities Returning citizens (aka: ex-offenders) Single parents Students Those that reside in rural areas Underemployed Veterans Describe the criteria for participation. Include the skills, knowledge, or experience necessary for participation in the component. For example, literacy or numeracy levels, recent labor market attachment, computer literacy, etc. Any EF client that demonstrates and requests a need for basic/soft skills training during the eligibility appointment or during the comprehensive employability assessment or a case management meeting. Individuals who are underemployed and returning citizens are the target populations that are mainly referred to this component. However, any other individual within one of the priority populations who express a need in attaining work readiness training will be referred. Each EF PO will target the populations identified within their EF PO plans and place an individual in this component based on the results of the comprehensive employability assessment and the client’s goals. 72