The Foundational Skills program is part of Duke's Professional Development Academy. The Professional Development Academy is dedicated to providing tailored training programs to foster career growth for targeted staff groups. The goals of the Academy include improving retention and strengthening workforce commitment, developing the skills and capabilities of staff, and supporting Duke's commitment to excellence. 

The Foundational Skills Program is a multi-session intensive experience designed for facilities and service staff currently working in non-administrative roles categorized as levels 1-5, B1, and B2. The program focuses on the development of critical knowledge and skills in technology, administration, and leadership. It serves to prepare individuals to grow-in-place within the organization and to foster retention at Duke University and Health System. 

  • Application Period
  • Target Audience
  • Goal
  • Program Features
  • Curriculum
  • Session Dates
  • Selection Criteria
  • Time Investment
  • Mentor/Mentee Partnership Component

Application Period

Nominations will be accepted through August 29, 2025.

Nominations are due by August 29, 2025. To nominate, go here.

Target Audience

Facilities and service level staff currently working in non-administrative roles categorized as levels 1-5, B1, and B2. 

Goal

To provide development of critical knowledge and skills in technology, administration, and leadership. It serves to prepare individuals to grow-in-place within the organization and to foster retention at Duke University and Health System. 

Program Features

  • Skills training and work experience opportunities will take place at Duke
  • Departments will actively support training and mentoring of participants
  • Participants will have mentors and Professional Development Academy resources that will provide support throughout the program

Curriculum

During the 10-month program, participants will take courses composed of technology and professional development supported by experiential contexts and guided mentorship. Participants will also receive support to interview skills, resume writing, business etiquette, and job shadowing.  

Technology will consist of 5 technology courses and, lab hours for application.
Topics include: 

  • Computer Basics
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Professional development will consist of 5 workshops that include prework, experiential learning, and proficiency assignments. Topics include: 

  • Administrative Essential Skills
  • Customer Service Skills
  • Time Management
  • Business Writing
  • Leadership and Teamwork

Participants will also engage in monthly guided mentoring sessions. Each session will last one hour and will take place on Zoom with specific dates determined by each participant and their mentor.

Session Dates

  • October 14, 2025
  • November 4, 2025
  • December 16, 2025
  • January 13, 2026
  • February 10, 2026
  • March 10, 2026
  • April 7, 2026
  • May 12, 2026
  • June 9, 2026

Selection Criteria

  • Full-time Duke service staff
    • Minimum of one year of service
    • Successful performance rating
    • No disciplinary actions and currently not on a Performance Improvement Plan
  • Currently working in facilities and service areas in job levels 2-5 or B1 or B2
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Basic keyboarding skills
  • Brief employment history of employee
  • Employee statement of interest in participating in this program
  • Recommendation of current manager
    • Please note: The manager must be willing to support your involvement in the program by doing the following:
      • Arrange work schedule to accommodate the program schedule
      • Provide guidance and support to complete the program
  • Commitment to onsite sessions

Time Investment

The Foundational Skills Program is a 10-month intensive experience. Selected individuals will participate in monthly classroom training, structured workplace applications, and guided mentorship. The participants will also have the opportunity to attend the kickoff and graduation for the program. The next cohort learning will begin in October 2025.

 

Mentor/Mentee Partnership Component

  • Each participant will be assigned a mentor
  • Mentors will be selected based on their role in the organization, ability to meet with participants at least once per month, and willingness to participate in required training and check-in sessions
  • Mentors will:
    • Provide guidance on setting and achieving developmental goals
    • Share insight into building and maintaining effective office relationships
    • Insight into work culture and workplace expectations
    • Reinforce classroom training through applied practice
    • Provide Job Shadowing as applicable

For more information, please contact the Professional Development Academy by email at marjorie.siegert@duke.edu.