Coatesville, PA – Which hair and make-up styles are most appropriate for the workplace? How do you dress for different employment situations? Students at the Career Development Center in Coatesville had a crash course in dressing for success in an interactive work readiness workshop recently held at their school.
The interactive workshop featured key factors to looking your best while searching for and maintaining a job. The workshop included hair and make-up tips, how to dress for success, and personal hygiene.
"If not addressed, basic personal care issues can be a stumbling block for many students who are trying to achieve vocational success,” said Joanna Smith, vocational specialist for the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s Discover Program, which integrates classroom and pre-vocational instruction with on-the-job training for students with special needs aged 16 to 21 years old.
“The purpose of the workshop is to increase students’ awareness of the importance of proper hygiene and grooming for the workplace, answer any questions they may have, and provide simple solutions to common issues they face," said Smith.
In that effort, students participated in a number of activities including: matching the hair and makeup styles of models with the appropriate occasion; selecting clothing suitable for different occupations and work environments; and quizzes on proper hygiene practices.
Guiding students through these activities were Heather Sahagian of Pulse Beauty Academy; school social worker Christyn Dodla; and Discover job coaches Amy Smith, Edie MacCarty, and Sheila Hill.
"We want to empower students to help them reach their full potential," said Dodla. “This workshop is a portion of that effort.”
In addition to learning how to dress for success in the workplace, students were awarded a 50% off coupon to Tabitha’s Treasure Chest in Coatesville, and were given a beauty kit.
“It was nice to have community partners support us in our efforts to give the students affordable options for work attire,” said Smith.
Plans are being made to hold follow-up workshop for students in the spring.
About the Career Development Center: The Career Development Center is a center-based, pre-vocational program for students in a highly-structured, staff-intensive environment. The program provides learning experiences for students with severe learning disabilities, physical handicaps, mild emotional disturbances, and mild to moderate mental retardation.
Basic academic, life and pre-vocational skills are taught in an integrated program for students, aged 14 to 21 years old. Academic and pre-vocational skills are tailored to student abilities and interests as determined by the student's individualized education plan team. Emphasis is placed on developing functional skills ranging from basic survival and self-help to higher-level reading and math skills.
For more information on the Career Development Center, please call 610-383-7400.
