ForwardWorks Skills Lab

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ForwardWorks Skills Lab

Build Confidence for the Workplace. Powered by ForwardWorks Consulting.

Accessible, cohort-based courses in networking, project planning, and workplace technology — designed so everyone can succeed.

08/25/2026

Registration for Networking as a Skillset closes Friday!

is more than making connections. It’s about building relationships, growing your confidence, and learning how to connect with others in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.

This ForwardWorks Skills Lab experience combines six online courses with three live cohort sessions featuring Derek Shields, Becky Curran, and Edmund Asiedu.

Participants will gain practical strategies they can use to:
• Build confidence in networking situations
• Make meaningful professional connections
• Strengthen and maintain relationships
• Use networking as a tool for career growth
• Keep moving forward with a supportive community

The Skills Lab also includes a Networking Toolkit, certificate and digital badge, and an invitation to join the ForwardWorks Skills Lab Learning Collective.

Registration closes Friday. Join us this September and start building connections that can move your career forward.

Registration link and more information is found in the first comment.

08/20/2026

This September, join us for Skills Lab: Networking as a Skillset, a three-part interactive series designed to help participants build meaningful connections, expand their networks with purpose, and develop relationships that can have a lasting impact on their careers.

On September 15th, we’re excited to welcome Edmund Asiedu as our featured disability leader guest alongside Derek Shields.

Edmund brings an important perspective to networking: lead with authenticity, recognize the value of your own story, approach others with genuine curiosity, and focus on building relationships rooted in trust, generosity, and mutual benefit.

Swipe through to read Edmund’s perspective and practical advice for making networking more authentic and impactful.

The certification pathway includes 5 digital learning modules and three live virtual sessions:

September 1 | 4-5:00 PM – Derek Shields
September 8 | 4-5:00 PM – Derek Shields with Becky Jackson Curran
September 15 | 4-5:30 PM – Derek Shields with Edmund Asiedu

Join us this September to strengthen your skills and build connections you can carry forward throughout your career.

Learn more and register: https://forwardworks.net/skillslab-individual

ID 1: Own Your Story! Quote with professional headshot of Edmund Asiedu, a black man with short hair wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, smiling at the camera against a neutral background. "Don't underestimate the power of your own story. You don't need the perfect title, resume, or elevator pitch to make an impact. Be prepared but also be yourself."

ID 2: On Networking Quote with professional headshot of Edmund Asiedu, a black man with short hair wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, smiling at the camera against a neutral background. "Building confidence in your own voice is essential to effective networking. Confidence comes from trusting that your experiences, ideas, and perspectives have value. By speaking authentically, listening actively, and contributing with purpose, you create meaningful connections and open the door to lasting professional relationships and opportunities."

ID 3: Networking Tip with professional headshot of Edmund Asiedu, a black man with short hair wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, smiling at the camera against a neutral background. "Prioritize genuine curiosity over trying to impress. Ask meaningful questions, listen with real attention, and find ways to contribute before expecting anything back. The most lasting professional relationships are grounded in trust, curiosity, and generosity and not transactional exchanges."

08/10/2026

"Networking is more than exchanging business cards, it's about building authentic relationships that create opportunities for growth and success."
- Becky Jackson Curran

This September, join us for Skills Lab: Networking as a Skillset, a three-part interactive series featuring Derek Shields (September 1), Becky Jackson Curran (September 8), and Edmund Asiedu (September 15).

Together, these sessions will provide practical strategies for building meaningful connections, expanding your network with purpose, and creating relationships that can have a lasting impact on your career.

When it comes to networking, Becky reminds us: "Be You! Don't underestimate the power of your own story. Authenticity is one of the most valuable networking skills you can bring to any conversation."

The certification pathway includes 6 digital learning modules and three live virtual sessions:

September 1 | 4-5:00 PM – Derek Shields
September 8 | 4-5:00 PM – Derek Shields with Becky Jackson Curran
September 15 | 4-5:30 PM – Derek Shields with Edmund Asiedu

Read Becky's perspective, then join us this September to build practical networking skills and strengthen the connections you'll carry forward throughout your career.

Learn more and register here: https://forwardworks.net/skillslab-individual

ID 1: Be You! "Don't underestimate the power of your own story. You don't need the perfect title, resume, or elevator pitch to make an impact. Be prepared but also be yourself." Quote with headshot of Becky Jackson Curran, a Caucasian woman with dwarfism, light brown shoulder-length hair, wearing a red V-neck dress.

ID 2: Networking Tip: "Lead with curiosity. Ask thoughtful questions, listen more than you talk, and focus on how you can add value to the conversation. The strongest connections often start with genuine interest in another person's origin story." - Becky Jackson Curran

ID 3: On Networking: To me, networking is about far more than exchanging business cards or growing a contact list. It's about building genuine, lasting relationships rooted in trust, shared interests, mutual support, and a willingness to learn from one another. - Quote with with headshot of Becky Jackson Curran, a Caucasian woman with dwarfism, light brown shoulder-length hair, wearing a dark blazer and white/black blouse.

ID4: Networking as a Skillset cohort description. 1: 6 online learning modules. 2: 3 live discussions. 3: Downloadable networking toolkit. 4. Certificate and Badge. 5: Invitation to Learning Collective. Learn at your own pace. Connect with others. Keep on growing by staying connected via the Learning Collective.

07/28/2026

Building meaningful professional relationships is a skill—and like any skill, it can be learned and strengthened through practice. The Skills Lab combines flexible, self-paced learning with live, interactive discussions designed to help participants develop practical networking skills and build lasting professional connections.

Participants receive 6 on-demand online courses that are completed at your own pace and 3 live cohort sessions led by Derek Shields on Sept 1, 8, and 15.

Join the cohort and participate in conversations on networking with disability inclusion leaders Becky Curran (Sept 8th) and Edmund Asiedu (Sept 15th)

You will access downloadable networking tools and resources, earn a Certificate of Completion and Digital Learner's Badge for your portfolio, and receive an invitation to join the ForwardWorks Learning Collective to continue building professional connections after the cohort concludes.

Whether you are entering the workforce, expanding your professional network, or looking to strengthen your communication and relationship-building skills, this cohort provides practical strategies, expert insights, and an opportunity to learn alongside a supportive community.

Learn more and register for Networking as Skillset:
https://forwardworks.net/skillslab-individual

ID 1: Headshot of Derek Shields, a white male with blonde hair wearing a blue suit and tie.

ID 2: Headshot of Becky Curran, a Caucasian woman with dwarfism, light brown shoulder-length hair, wearing a red V-neck dress.

ID 3: Professional headshot of Edmund Asiedu, a black man with short hair wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, smiling at the camera against a neutral background.

07/06/2026

Last chance to register!

Our Project Planning Skills Lab begins tomorrow, and there's still time to save your spot.

Join us on Tuesdays, July 7, 14, and 21, from 4:00–5:00 PM ET to build practical project planning skills you can use at work, in school, and in everyday life.

In this interactive three-session cohort, you'll learn how to:
• Break big goals into manageable steps
• Stay organized and prioritize tasks
• Build confidence through practical planning strategies

Can't attend live? Our Direct Access option lets you complete the course at your own pace.

Register today: https://forwardworks.net/skillslab.html

06/25/2026

Turn your ideas into action with Project Planning at ForwardWorks Skills Lab!

Learn how to organize tasks, set goals, and manage projects with confidence in a supportive, live cohort designed for every learner.

Live Cohort Dates: July 7, 14 & 21
Time: 4-5pm ET

- Live, cohort-based learning
- Plain language instruction
- Inclusive by design

Ready to build skills that help you succeed at work and beyond? Visit forwardworks.net/skillslab to learn more.

06/16/2026

What if one skill could help you manage work projects, personal goals, events, and career growth?

Project planning is one of the most valuable workplace skills that rarely gets taught, but it's often the difference between ideas that stay ideas and goals that actually get accomplished.

That's why ForwardWorks is excited to announce that enrollment is now open for our Project Planning as a Skillset Skills Lab.

This practical, plain-language learning experience focuses on breaking work into manageable steps, setting realistic timelines, and tracking progress, all skills that can be applied in virtually any job, industry, or life situation.

Live Sessions:
Tuesdays: July 7, 14, and 21, 2026
4:00–5:00 PM ET

If these dates don't work for you, additional cohorts are already scheduled for later in the year.

Need more flexibility? A Direct Access option is also available, allowing you to complete the program independently without attending live sessions.

Whether you're leading a team, managing a project, planning an event, or working toward a personal goal, this Skills Lab will provide practical tools you can start using immediately.

Learn more and register: https://forwardworks.net/skillslab

05/08/2026

We’re excited to officially launch the ForwardWorks Skills Lab!

This flexible, accessible skills development program offers three learning tracks: Project Planning, Networking, and Tech & AI in the Workplace. Each course introduces key concepts in a clear, supportive way through guided sessions and self-paced learning.

All content combines proven workplace strategies with plain language and was shaped with young adults with disabilities to ensure it’s inclusive, practical, and meaningful.

Skills Lab participants:
• Build real-world skills
• Join interactive group sessions
• Complete self-paced modules
• Earn a digital badge and certificate
• Access helpful tools and resources

Whether you want to strengthen project planning, grow your professional network, or explore technology and AI, there’s a path for you.

Visit www.forwardworks.net/skillslab.html to learn more and join a cohort today. Prefer self-paced learning? Register for direct course access at a reduced rate.

Image Descriptions:
1. ForwardWorks Skills Lab announcement featuring accessible learning tracks in Project Planning, Tech & AI, and Networking, with information about cohort-based and self-paced options.
2. Graphic outlining three Skills Lab courses: Project Planning, Tech & AI at Work, and Networking as a Skillset, with options for cohort-based or self-paced learning.
3. Graphic describing Skills Lab audiences, including individuals with and without disabilities, organizations, and supporters seeking workplace readiness training.
4. “Skills Lab Feedback” testimonial from Dallas S. describing how the Project Planning pathway helped build practical project planning skills and deepen understanding through applied learning. Includes a professional headshot.
5. Graphic highlighting Skills Lab features including cohort-based learning, plain language, inclusive design, and digital badges and certificates for Project Planning, Networking, and Tech & AI.
6. Graphic with the message “Let’s move forward, together.” alongside the ForwardWorks logo.

Address

3060 Williams Drive, Ste 300
Fairfax, VA
22031

Telephone

+17032446747

Website

https://forwardworks.net/skillslab.html, https://www.facebook.com/forwardworksconsulting/

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