Job Training and Soft Skills for High Schoolers?

I'm looking into programs that develop soft skills and offer job training for high school students. Are there any specific programs or workshops that you would recommend I look into to boost my job readiness?

There sure are, and figuring out what kinds of skills you want to build is a great starting point. One option might be DECA, a nationwide organization that helps high schoolers develop skills in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through competitive events.

Another is Junior Achievement (JA), which offers programs focusing on work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. They have a host of programs that are designed to help students develop practical business skills. JA's Job Shadow program in particular could be beneficial. This offers students an up-close look at the world of work by shadowing industry professionals in their respective workplaces.

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program is another great way to gain useful skills. FBLA focuses on leadership development, academic competitions, and educational programs and helps students prepare for careers through community service initiatives.

For more tech-related training, programs like Girls Who Code offer summer immersion programs that teach computer science skills and connect participants with tech industry professionals. Similarly, iD Tech offers tech-focused summer camps covering everything from coding to game design.

Don't forget about local opportunities, either. Businesses and community organizations in your area might offer workshops, internships, or job shadowing experiences.

Remember, a crucial part of job readiness is not only technical skills, but also soft skills. Participating in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or team-based projects can help develop traits such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving.