New Duke Professional Development Program Begins
Six entry-level staff members are part of the inaugural “Foundational Skills” program
Nicole Smith found out about Duke’s new Foundational Skills program over lunch with a coworker, but it was her six-year-old daughter, Nevaeh, who inspired her to apply.
Smith, a utility worker for Housing Operations in Housing & Residence Life, is one of six University and Health System employees selected by Duke’s Learning & Organization Development to take part in the first Foundational Skills class, which celebrated the kick-off last week at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life.
“I’ve always had big dreams,” said Smith, who joined Duke in 2008 .“I want to support my daughter and … show her that you can move up in the world even if you face obstacles.”
The 37-week Foundational Skills program is a redesigned approach to career-development programs within Duke’s Professional Development Academy. The program includes instructor-led classroom training, 60 hours of job shadowing and 90 hours of on-the-job training. Employees choose between University and Health System tracks to prepare them for entry-level administrative support positions.
“Foundational Skills helps show employees that, as they grow, their skills are transferable across Duke,” said Gina Rogers, practitioner with Duke Learning & Organization Development, a unit in Duke Human Resources. “Duke is a lifetime employer and supports its staff in their development.”
George Johnson is a utility worker in Housing & Residence Life's Housing Operations on the university campus, but he chose the health track as a way to make connections across Duke.
“I want to climb my career ladder as high as I can,” said Johnson, who joined Duke in 2015. “I feel lucky Duke provides these good opportunities for its employees.”
The Foundational Skills 2018 Class:
- LaShaunda Freeman, housekeeping specialist for Housing Operations in Housing & Residence Life
- George Johnson, utility worker for Housing Operations in Housing & Residence Life
- Marquita Mangum, housekeeper specialist for Housing Operations in Housing & Residence Life
- Nicole Smith, utility worker for Housing Operations in Housing & Residence Life
- Imer Ramadanovic, food production associate for Hock Family Pavilion
- Lamecka Wilkerson, housekeeper specialist for Housing Operations in Housing & Residence Life