"I take people through a conversation of how their top strengths show up for them. This helps them develop language to recognize their strengths more quickly,” says Jonathan Jones, who facilitates the April 23rd Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment Workshop.

In our interview, Jonathan explains how workshop results can help participants boost job engagement and quality of life. He also offers additional coaching to maximize insights and implementing them. 

UMKC TalentLink - Jake, Candice, Alexa, and Pete

IN THIS NEWSLETTER

• Register today! April 3 - MedCerts + UMKC TalentLink Webinar on Healthcare and IT certification programs

• Upcoming workshops - Making the "big ask" of leadership, fraud prevention and cybersecurity, and Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment with coaching

• Quote to Note - UMKC TalentLink Executive Director Jake Akehurst on skills-based hiring

The Big Ask of Leadership - How to make the “big ask” of leadership? That’s the question leadership development expert Shannon Swift explores in her workshop on April 10. In our interview, Swift offers insight on how her workshop guides participants through the process and can help build a valuable skill. 

Minimize Cybersecurity Risks Through Preparation - “Small businesses are more often becoming the target for cybersecurity and fraudulent activities by bad actors. The reality is the businesses aren’t prepared, and they are more likely to succumb to easier tactics,” says Lockbaud founder Sam Sapp.

UMKC TalentLink Executive Director Jake Akehurst is quoted in the March 2024 issue of Ingram's magazine.
View the full digital article (p. 54-55), "Workforce Training: Driven by Demand," here. 

"We're seeing...an emphasis on skills, skills-based hiring, and training based on acquiring new skills," says Jake Akehurst, UMKC TalentLink executive director. "Skills based hiring really shifts away from hiring folks solely based on their resume. It’s an approach that says potential candidates are more than just their number of years of experience."

As the article underscores, employers seek workers with new and evolving skill sets. Skills-focused career training programs, courses, and workshops help people entering the workforce, preparing to switch careers, or seeking advancement to strengthen their skills. 

EXPLORE OUR SKILLS-BUILDING TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

April 10 - How to Make A Big Ask of Leadership

Guided by expert facilitator Shannon Swift, learn a process that helps you design talking points, prepare, and deliver a persuasive proposal to leadership. Includes discussion with former Chief Human Resource Officer Ed Schloesslin about a corporate leader’s typical challenges, objections, and concerns with the "big ask."

NEW!
April 23 - Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment Workshop

Led by Gallup-certified coach Jonathan Jones, the Gallup CliftonStrengths® workshop provides insights about your top strengths and how to maximize your potential.

May 8 - Fraud Prevention and Cybersecurity: Protect Your Business and Customers 

Experts Krista Shelton and Sam Sapp present a comprehensive course designed to protect small businesses from fraud and cyber threats. Workshop includes a 30-minute break for lunch (supplied).

April 3rd, 12:30-1:15 PM CST
UMKC TalentLink invites you to an exclusive free online webinar in partnership with MedCerts. 

We will dive into the power of our partnership with MedCerts, opening doors to in-demand careers in healthcare and IT. Whether you're exploring exciting new career paths or aiming to elevate your current professional trajectory, this webinar is designed to guide you toward the pathways of success.

Jake Akehurst, Executive Director of UMKC TalentLink, and Keyona Wilson, Student Success Advisor at MedCerts, will guide you through this insightful session. 

Online Manufacturing Training Available Through WorkForge and UMKC TalentLink

Learn key manufacturing skills and knowledge that can demonstrate aptitude for an entry-level role to an employer. Take the first step toward landing an in-demand position with solid pay potential and opportunity to learn more.

Online learning available in 

• Aerospace
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
• Food Safety and Production
• Industrial Maintenance
• Introduction to Manufacturing Careers
• Robotics
• Welding

umkctalentlink.com