Remember a time when you were in the process of learning something new?
Maybe you wanted to ride a bike, learn to swim, or play a video game.
At first, it probably felt really hard. Did you ever want to give up?
If you kept trying, soon or later, it got easier. After a while you found you could actually do the thing.
Learning new job skills works the same way. It might seem tough in the beginning, but the hard work is worth it when you can earn an income from what you learned.
Why Learning Feels Hard
at First
Think about the first time you tried to tie your shoes…if you can even remember it. Your fingers felt clumsy. The laces kept getting tangled. It took a long time just to make one knot. You probably got frustrated.
But now? You can tie your shoes without even looking. That’s because you got better with practice.
When adults learn new job skills, they feel the same way. A person learning to use a computer might feel confused at first. Someone learning to fix cars might not know which tool to use. A person studying to become a helper at a doctor’s office might struggle to remember new words.
This is normal. Everyone feels this way when starting something new.
Good Programs Teach Real Skills
Here’s the important part. When you join a program that teaches job skills, you want to make sure it teaches things that will actually help you get a job. These are called “real” or “legitimate” skills.
Real skills are things that customers, clients, and bosses want workers to know.
For example:
– How to use a computer
– How to talk nicely to customers
– How to build or fix things
– How to take care of people who are sick
– How to cook food safely
– How to drive a truck
When a program teaches real skills, you can find a job pretty quickly.
Showing What You Learned
When you’re in school, your teacher gives you tests and homework. This helps show what you learned.
Job training programs and many online courses work the same way.
These programs and courses require you to prove three things:
First, they want to see that you accomplished something.
This means you finished your work and learned the skills. You prove that you can do what was taught.
Second, they want to see compliance.
Every program has rules.
Third, they want to see participation.
This means you asked questions when you were confused; you practiced even when it was hard.
You didn’t just sit in the back and do nothing.
Why This Trade is Fair
Some might view this oversight as unnecessary, but think about it this way, the program is giving you something very valuable.
They’re teaching you how to earn money for the rest of your life. In return, all they ask is that you show up, and try your best.
Isn’t that a pretty good deal?
The Reward at the End
When you finish the program, you’ll have new skills that employers want. You can apply for jobs and actually get them. You’ll start earning money to take care of yourself and your family.
Three months might seem like a long time right now. But it will pass quickly. And when it’s over, you’ll be glad you stuck with it.
You Can Do It
Remember, everyone struggles at the beginning. That’s okay. The important thing is to keep going. Show up every day. Participate. Try your best.
Before you know it, you’ll look back and feel proud of all you’ve accomplished. And you’ll have a skill that will forever be yours.
