Before job seekers get to show their hard skills, like working with their hands, they have to have soft skills — work ethic, attitude and timeliness.


Speaking and listening skills will show in the interview. Before that, a person’s writing skills will show in their cover letter. Enthusiasm and communication skills will tell an employer that person is ready to advance.


The Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium (APICC), developed a program called YES, Youth Employment Skills, to help young adults cultivate their soft skills. Martha Peck with APICC says it was picked up by EXCEL Alaska, the Anchorage School District and other districts around the state.


Martha Peck with APICC says it was picked up by EXCEL Alaska, the Anchorage School District and other districts around the state.


EXCEL Alaska’s Deputy Director Billijo Mills says the YES program has helped her students develop excellent employability skills. It helps them stand out for getting and completing internships. In addition, it helps with any career goal that they have and focuses on transferable skills through self-assessment.


More information can be found at APICC.org, or by calling Martha Peck at (907) 770-5250, or emailing her at [email protected].