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Program Aims to Develop Entry-Level Staff for Administrative Roles

Applications for first class of Foundational Skills program due April 20

Foundational Skills Program
The Foundational Skills Program will help staff in service positions receive the knowledge and skills to become eligible for advancement at Duke.

Duke Human Resources is launching a redesigned approach to career-development programs with the Professional Development Academy, and its first program aims to prepare entry-level staff in service jobs for roles in administrative support.

The 37-week Foundational Skills program is designed to help current full-time employees develop the office knowledge and skills to qualify for advancement within Duke. The program includes instructor-led classroom training, 60 hours of job shadowing, and 90 hours of on-the-job training.

“This program reflects our commitment at Duke to develop our own talent to fill the needs in the organization and provide the skills, support and resources to help staff members grow and advance,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for Administration.

Staff currently in service jobs at levels 2 through 5 in the university and levels B1 and B2 in the health system are eligible to participate. Participants must have at least three years of continuous service at Duke, a high school diploma or GED, successful performance reviews at the level of “exceeds expectations” or “exceptional,” a letter of recommendation from their current manager and a letter of recommendation from a peer or former supervisor.

Supervisors must nominate staff members in good standing by April 6 to participate in the program, and staff must complete an application for consideration by April 20.

A committee will review all applications and select 15 staff members to participate in the first class, which will begin in June.

For more information, including manager nomination forms, staff application forms, and details about the selection and training process, visit the Foundational Skills webpage on the Duke Human Resources website.