[...] educators and employers say many students also need to learn more non-technical, or "soft skills," such as time management, working in groups, developing good communication skills, and managing stress while juggling school, family and financial pressures. Given the tremendous importance of soft skills to workplace success, Bill and I wanted to make an investment that would help the college conduct soft skills training in a way that was centralized and accessible. First semester student Sarah Richardson said she sought help doing research and organizing data for a paper. Using videos, workshops, and special short-term classes, the center's coordinators will delve into issues like understanding a work ethic, working under pressure, adopting problem solving skills and even dealing with difficult people. Midlands Tech has about 18,000 students attending technical classes year round, while some 30,000 people register for continuing education coursework, school officials said.