You’re a single mother looking for a decent paying job, right? And you landed here because you heard of job training for single mothers. First of all, congratulations! For realizing that the only way you can qualify for better paying jobs is to become knowledgeable and skilled for such positions.
Yes, we understand the challenge of being a single parent. It’s not easy raising kids on your own and having to provide for their needs at the same time. Most likely, you’ve been thrown into this situation quite suddenly. And survival is the name of the game. You may have finished high school, worked for a while somewhere that didn’t require a lot of skills, but was never really prepared to hold down a job, a high paying one at that.
The jobs that pay well are out of your league. For now. What you need is to be trained for them. I can’t afford training and education, you say. Well, you don’t necessarily have to spend for job training for single mothers.
Skills training
Unlike formal schooling focused on academics, job trainings concentrate on teaching and developing skills needed in the workplace. The ultimate goal is for participants to be ready for jobs immediately after completing the training. And it’s not only job readiness that is the objective of such programs but to equip single mothers with life skills that will enable them to overcome the common situation most find themselves in — living in dire conditions.
Although you can opt to pursue a degree later with both time and resources permitting, job trainings are usually short-term vocational programs and won’t give you academic credits that can be used when you do decide to take up a college course. Typically, job training runs from eight to 10 weeks.
What you gain are basic skills and practical experience that will qualify you for employment opportunities that pay decent wages. Although trainings vary, among the skills you expect to learn and master are computer programs like word processing and worksheets, writing skills for correspondence and simple reports, and the use of other standard office equipment like phone systems, and copy and fax machines.
Who offers job training
The biggest question is who offers job training for single mothers and how you can avail of them. Your community is likely a rich source of these programs. You just have to know which doors to knock on. Community colleges, non-profit organizations and employment training centers in your city or town most likely have one or more opportunities such as this. You may not have been aware of it before you got to this site, but now you can ask around.
More than anything, addressing unemployment not just among single parents, is a priority of government. Fortunately, there are also private sector efforts towards meeting this same objective.
Giving back to community
A very good example of a job training for single mothers program is conducted by the Walmart Foundation administered by Goodwill. The program is known as “Beyond Jobs.” Their mission goes beyond training women — including single mothers — to find employment but more importantly, provide them with tools to advance in their careers.
Walmart realizes the challenge faced by single parents to become successful both at home and at work and also provides support through child care assistance and nutrition education, among others. In the end, what they want participants to achieve is financial stability without sacrificing family.
The program is unique because each program is tailored for every individual so that they can harness their true potential, be placed in jobs suited to their abilities and competence and develop their confidence to stick to their jobs and eventually advance in their careers.
How much do you want to succeed?
Mothers will do anything to ensure the survival of her family. It is your level of desire to overcome poverty and hard times that will be your biggest incentive to pursue opportunities like job training for single mothers.
Remember, it’s usually a free service offered to individuals who need it most. Don’t let your circumstance trap you in a life of difficulty. If you want a better life for your kids, it starts with you wanting to do something better given your talents and ability. Job training for single mothers is merely a tool for survive, and eventually succeed.