According to the National Collaborative Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth), the development of soft skills is identified as a critical component for success in activities such as civic participation and youth leadership in addition to school- and work-based learning experiences. Companies have identified the following competencies as key to success of young workers: Communication; Networking; Enthusiasm and Attitude; Teamwork; Problem Solving and Critical Thinking; Professionalism. Activities that can be found in this publication were created to provide an introduction to the "basics" of soft skills. These materials have been designed with youth service professionals in mind -specifically those working with in-school and out-of school youth, ages 14-21, on career and workforce readiness skills. Many of the exercises within this resource offer timed activities with directions for specific-workplace scenarios. Some of these activities include several interview role-play situations, plus lessons about a resilient attitude and understanding directions, to networking, plus social media, and email etiquette tips for professional work settings. With each activity, the text allows for extension activities, and journaling activities which are elements of common core principles taught in America's public school system today. Some of the exercises also present follow-up questions with spaces provided for answers as part of hands-on learning lessons. These activities can be used by a facilitator within a school's career and technology center, or a faith-based career search program, and by youth ages, 14-21 that are eager to find a paid position. Related products: Employment Interviewing: Seizing the Opportunity and the Job is available here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/029-001-03364-8 Careers Begin Here: Recruiting.jobcorps.gov is available here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/029-000-00464-1 High-Earning Workers Who Don't Have A Bachelor's Degree is available here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/029-001-03325-7 Apprenticeships: Career Training, Credentials, and a Paycheck in Your Pocket is available here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/029-001-03405-9 United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions 2016 (Plum Book) can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/052-070-07704-2

We evaluate the causal impacts of on-the-job soft skills training on the productivity, wages, and retention of female garment workers in India. The program increased women's extraversion and communication, and spurred technical skill upgrading. Treated workers were 20 percent more productive than controls post-program. Wages rise very modestly with treatment (by 0.5 percent), with no differential turnover, suggesting that although soft skills raise workers' marginal products, labor market frictions are large enough to create a substantial wedge between productivity and wages. Consistent with this, the net return to the firm was large: 258 percent eight months after program completion.

The sequel to Fred Chao's graphic novel, Johnny Hiro: Half-Asian, All Hero! After a couple of years as an underpaid sushi chef for his incredibly stingy and negative boss, Mr. Masago, Johnny Hiro doubts his abilities to provide his girlfriend Mayumi with the kind of life he thinks she deserves. Though their relationship is happy, he wonders if he can create something more stable for the long term: a partnership she can find a lasting happiness in. Throw in the aftereffects of Johnny's past relationships and Mr. Masago's prior business ventures with his current rival Shinto Pete, and it's all a big case study in how each decision influences the next and can create vast differences in the way life develops. Figuring all of this out is even harder in New York City, with its giant gorillas, sumo wrestlers, Japanese gangsters, and rogue catering companies. And within this crazy day-to-day existence, Hiro must find a way to look beyond the fact that he can barely make rent...and figure out how to have faith in his future. "'Scott Pilgrim meets Bruce Lee and dates an adorable girl in a fantastically weird New York City' is about as close as you'll get, but even that doesn't convey the pure energy and enthusiasm evident in every panel of Johnny Hiro."—Boing Boing

EARN SPEND SAVE A savvy guide to money for Canadian women Say goodbye to debt, boost your income, plan for retirement, and manage your money like a pro. From recession-proof investment strategies to taming that paper pile, Earn, Spend, Save is bursting with smart advice and real-life tips to help you save money and time. Use Chatelaine's six-month, step-by-step plan to take control of your finances and come out on top. Buying a home? Staring at a pre-nup? Looking for better returns? Putting off your taxes? Here is the perfect comprehensive road map to help you calm your money worries and reach your financial goals.