MIDDLESBORO — The Middlesboro Department of Community Based Services and the Big Sandy Area Development District (BSADD) hosted a month-long Job Readiness class for the participants of the Kentucky Works Program (KWP), and the overall objective of the class was to help participants locate and maintain employment.

The curriculum included identifying participants’ key skills. Students learned about the importance of setting goals, developing strategies, locating hidden job markets, writing superior resumes, improving interview skills, dressing for success, and meeting an employer’s expectations, as well as a variety of other useful workforce tips.

The class had guest speakers from the Bell County Extension Office, including Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Rebecca Sharp.

“This is a great program and I enjoyed meeting those who are trying to find employment,” stated Extension Agent Sharp. She said that she spoke with the class about how to dress for an interview, and to always remember body language, grooming and clothing when going for any job.

Participants also attended the first annual Women’s Summit, which was hosted by the Family Life Abuse Center, and received beauty make-overs from the Collins School of Cosmetology in Middlesboro — as part of a self-esteem exercise.

In appreciation for the time and dedication put forth by the Job Readiness participants, BSADD employees presented the class with course completion certificates, and provided a celebratory lunch.

BSADD employees would like to communicate a special thanks to the Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College of Middlesboro for allowing the class to be held in their institution.

The KWP helps recipients of the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) — a monetary assistance program that Kentucky established using federal funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant — acquire the education and training needed for future employment and self-support.

Adam Young is a Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted by e-mail at ayoung@middlesborodailynews.com.