5Q: Steven Kitchin

 / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
/ PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

1Employers have talked about workers needing to have “soft skills” for years. What are they saying they need specifically?

Workplace socialization skills such as working well with others, a sense of responsibility to be proficient, how to be a team player, timeliness and attendance must be a part of the employee’s work ethic. … Today’s employers express concern that candidates are sometimes lacking these important workplace socialization skills. To that end, New England Institute of Technology has built features into our programs that address these needs.

2How do you teach students to work together well as a team?

We have built multiple mechanisms into our programs to develop team-building skills through hands-on activities. Starting in the first quarter of any program in which we assign projects and teams, we begin teaching the process of working cohesively. We stress the importance of working together, communicating appropriately, carrying your weight and being responsible. Attendance tracking, leadership skills, internships and fieldwork are all designed to enhance both job proficiency as well as to develop a strong work ethic.

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3Is it possible to really “teach” students punctuality, professionalism and customer-service skills?

Students can absolutely learn these skills. We accomplish this task by making it a valued commodity within each program’s curriculum. In many programs, professionalism and punctuality are mandated.

4NEIT tracks attendance. When did this begin and why?

New England Tech tracks attendance for two reasons. First, because we are a career-focused college, we want to instill in our students one of the basic job skills necessary for any new hire: When you get the job you have to show up on time every day. Second, since we are an accelerated program with 10-week quarters, students can’t afford to lose any time in class or labs.

5Is there a generational difference in the understanding of good work habits?

Today’s employers feel extreme pressure because of the very competitive nature of the marketplace to hire the best of the best. Their expectations now require employees to work faster, smarter and better. … It is also true that individuals may not have developed the required soft skills through experiences at home, secondary education, or through extra-curricular activities. As a result, these employees come to work with less of an understanding of their responsibilities. •

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