On April 19, 2025, RW2 proudly marked its 6th anniversary—six years of transforming lives through career and technical education.
But as we reflect on this milestone, we’re not just looking back at the programs we’ve built or the certifications our students have earned. We’re celebrating something even more powerful: confidence.
In today’s world, technical skills are only half the story. Passing exams and mastering software are important, but so is the ability to walk into a job interview with clarity and courage.
To communicate with confidence. To handle setbacks with resilience. At RW2, we’ve always believed that it’s not just what you know—it’s how you show up. That’s why our programs are designed not just to teach, but to transform.
This blog takes you behind the scenes of RW2’s mission to build real-world confidence—showing how we go beyond technical training to develop the mindset, communication, and professionalism that help students thrive.
Whether they’re preparing for a job interview or presenting in a team meeting, RW2 learners gain more than skills—they build the confidence to show up prepared, speak clearly, and grow through every stage of their career journey.
Confidence Starts with Belief
One of the first things we do at RW2 Career and Technical Education is help students believe in their potential. Some come to us without formal tech backgrounds. Others have faced educational barriers, financial challenges, or personal doubts.
But every student who joins our programs is met with one consistent message: You belong here.
Take Kymberly Baker, a recent Revit/BIM graduate who is now working as a Revit/BIM Drafter at Trimark. Like many students, she came to RW2 at a crossroads—uncertain of her direction and unsure of what the future held.
“RW2 mentored me through a time I felt lost in this world,” she said. “Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Through hands-on training and a focus on personal development, Kymberly gained not only technical skills but also the clarity, confidence, and determination to move forward.
Today, she’s not only working in the field she trained for—she’s thriving in it.
Soft Skills = Strong Professionals
RW2 CTE is proud to assist with technical certifications, but we place equal value on soft skills development—because we know those are the traits that employers are really looking for.
Whether it’s our teamwork exercises, mock interviews, or professional communication sessions, every student learns how to express themselves with clarity, work collaboratively, and take initiative.
These are the building blocks of career success, and they’re part of every single RW2 course.
Lynn Miller and Erica, two of our soft skills instructors, play a pivotal role in this.
Their interactive sessions help students understand their strengths, navigate conflict, manage time, and build personal brands that reflect their unique abilities. We’ll be sharing more from their perspective in the Q&A section below.
Dr. Lynn Miller, Transferable/Soft Skills Instructor
- What are the top 3 soft skills every RW2 student learns—and why do they matter in the workplace?
a. Know Your WHY? When you know your why you are fueled with the passion and motivation you need to get the job done. It is within you, and you are able to make better, clearer, and quicker decisions.
b. The Art of Listening because if we don’t learn to listen to those around us we are unable to be productive. No position is exclusive. Every job is about the advancement of the company and a company is not successful when the workers don’t have clarity, talk too much, and lack respect. These 3 listening behaviors that should be taught. They are not innate.
c. Creating your Elevator Pitch. Which is a concise and engaging introduction of yourself and your work, highlighting your key skills and career goals. A good pitch is memorable, conveys enthusiasm, and leaves a positive impression.)
- How do you approach teaching communication to students who may be shy or uncertain?
o When we help an individual understand their WHY we give them the tools they need to know what fuels them, how it fulfills them and how it has transformed them.
- Can you talk about a time when a student used their new soft skills to succeed in a job interview or internship?
o Yes, we recently had a student who received their certification a couple of years ago but hadn’t received a position. They never quit looking, never stop communicating with us, and never stop believing in their WHY. Just this month they got the job of their dreams. Sometimes we must hurry up and wait. That can be so difficult. But the main reason this student was hired was because of their Soft Skills and ability to communicate their WHY.
- What advice would you give to a student who doubts their ability to succeed in a tech career?
o Trust the process and know that RW2 is here to support you! If you do the work, we will work with you. If you don’t work for it, we are still here. YOU ARE RW2 FAMILY FOR LIFE so come back home you are not alone we want you to succeed!
Ms. Erica Anderson, Soft Skills / Job Search Skills Instructor
1. How do you define “real-world confidence,” and why is it so important for students in tech fields?
Real-world confidence, to me, is the ability to step into any environment—whether it’s a team meeting, a client presentation, or a brand-new project—with a strong sense of self-trust. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about believing that you have the tools to navigate challenges, communicate effectively, and learn as you go.
For students in tech fields, this kind of confidence is critical. Technical skills get your foot in the door, but real-world confidence allows you to collaborate, advocate for your ideas, and adapt when technology—and business needs—evolve. It’s what transforms a talented coder into a team leader, or a skilled designer into a visionary entrepreneur.
2. What are some common mindset shifts you’ve seen students go through during your sessions?
One of the most beautiful shifts I see is students moving from a perfectionist mindset—feeling like they must know everything before speaking up—to embracing a growth mindset, where curiosity and communication are just as valuable as expertise.
Another big shift is in how they view feedback. Initially, feedback can feel like criticism, but over time, students begin to welcome it as an opportunity for real development. They move from seeing feedback as a personal judgment to viewing it as a professional gift. Watching that change happen is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
3. Can you share a moment when a student really surprised themselves with their growth in soft skills?
Absolutely. I once worked with a student who was brilliant technically but incredibly hesitant to speak up in meetings. Over the course of our sessions, we focused on small, manageable steps: asking one thoughtful question per meeting, practicing active listening, and sharing insights in one-on-one settings first.
A few months later, I received an excited email—this student had led a client presentation solo and received incredible feedback on both their clarity and poise. They told me, “I always thought confidence was something you either had or didn’t. I didn’t realize it was something I could build.” Moments like that are why I do what I do.
4. Why do you think employers value soft skills so highly today?
Today’s employers understand that success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you work with others, how you solve problems, how you adapt to change, and how you show leadership in any role.
The most advanced technical solution can still fail without effective communication, collaboration, and empathy behind it. Soft skills are what allow teams to function cohesively, drive innovation, and build lasting relationships with clients and customers. In short, technical skills might get you hired, but soft skills are what help you build a lasting, meaningful career.
Celebrating Six Years of Transformation
RW2’s 6th anniversary isn’t just a marker of time—it’s a celebration of transformation. Over the years, we’ve seen students grow from uncertain beginners to confident professionals, ready to contribute, collaborate, and lead.
Yes, we teach Python. Yes, we train for the CompTIA Security+ exam. Yes, we help students learn AutoCAD and technical modeling. But we also do something more rare: We help people believe in themselves.
At RW2, we’re building a future where confidence is just as valued as competence—because we know that’s what changes lives.
If you’re interested in enrolling in the Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD); Revit for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Cybersecurity program, click below—exciting news is on the way, and you won’t want to miss it!
Key Takeaways
Ready to build more than tech skills? Build your confidence, your career, and your future—with RW2 Career and Technical Education.
Whether you’re an adult learner ready to take the next step or someone looking to change careers with purpose—RW2 is here to help you build the confidence and skills to succeed.
Visit www.rw2.education to explore our programs, success stories, and enrollment opportunities. Or reach out directly to learn how RW2 can support your goals.
RW2: Changing the FACE of the tech workforce—one confident student at a time.
