Skills to work

A handshake, eye contact–it’s automatic behavior in American culture. For a foreigner, the behavior might be the difference that gets them the job. "Put Your Skills to Work" is a workplace skills training program for low-income Hispanics funded through a Kellogg Partnership 2020 grant.

Left: Evening classes were attended by he whole family. All photographs by Marilyn Cross Bischoff.

Linda Gossett and Marilyn Bischoff, UI extension educators in Ada County, investigated which extension services were most needed by Hispanics in the Garden City area near Boise. These clients said what they most wanted were techniques to improve their job opportunities, including English language skills, resume writing, and interviewing tips. They also wanted more information about jobs available to them.

Classes are held for two hours on two evenings a week for 15 to 25 participants. Childcare is provided on-site. One woman walked for over half an hour in the heat while carrying her children in order to attend a session when her car was not working. Three to four childcare providers watched up to 25 children per class during the session conducted last summer.

Left: Graduation night for the first group.

Participants for the classes are recruited at Spanish-language masses and from Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) clientele by Magdalena Soto, program coordinator. Course material, adopted from Welfare to Work programs in California and Texas, cover topics including cultural concepts of time, time management skills, planning your job search, filling out job applications, dressing for work, and money management. The first class of 12 graduated on August 17. A second class took place this fall 2000 and a third is scheduled for early spring 2001. Contact Marilyn Cross Bischoff at (208) 377-2107 or email mbischof@uidaho.edu for further information.

Left: Childcare is provided during class sessions.

Another Hispanic employment program in Power County, headed by Audrey Liddil, Bannock County EFNEP educator, works with Hispanics on an individual basis rather than in a classroom setting. She can be reached at (208) 236-7318 or aliddil@uidaho.edu via email.

—Kate Painter