CORE CURRICULUM Basic Employability Skills 00108 15 Session

CORE CURRICULUM Basic Employability Skills 00108 -15

Session 1: Construction Opportunities; Problem Solving Basic Employability Skills 00108 -15

Session One Objectives When trainees have completed this session, they should be able to do the following: 1. Describe the opportunities in the construction businesses and how to enter the construction workforce. a. Describe the construction business and the opportunities offered by the trades. b. Explain how workers can enter the construction workforce. 2. Explain the importance of critical thinking and how to solve problems. a. Describe critical thinking and barriers to solving problems. b. Describe how to solve problems using critical thinking. Basic Employability Skills 00108 -15

Section 1. 1. 0 – Construction Workforce Just a few of the trades required on a construction site: • Heavy equipment operators • Masons and concrete finishers • Crane operators • Ironworkers • Welders • Electricians • Plumbers • HVAC technicians • Pipefitters • Carpenters Basic Employability Skills 00108 -15

Section 1. 2. 0 – Your Resume Basic Employability Skills 00108 -15

Section 1. 2. 0 – Job Search ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS: • • • Is the salary or wage enough for my needs? What kind of benefits are offered? Will the work be challenging, yet doable with my best efforts? What kind of reputation does the company have? How does it feel to be around the people? Are they welcoming and accepting? • Does the company offer training opportunities? • Does the company have a well-developed safety culture? Basic Employability Skills 00108 -15

Section 2. 1. 0 – Critical Thinking KEYS TO PROBLEM SOLVING • Do not let personal feelings get in the way of fairly evaluating information; remain objective. • Determine the cause and effect (results). • Think about people who are sources of information. Ask experts and people you trust for advice. • Compare new information with what you already know. If it does not fit, question it and separate fact from fiction. • Weigh the merits of each option and consider if each can be justified. Basic Employability Skills 00108 -15

Section 2. 1. 1 – Barriers BARRIERS TO PROBLEM SOLVING • Being closed-minded prevents people from trusting new ideas. • Forget your personal feelings about someone when listening to their ideas. Personality conflicts are certain barriers. • Many people fear change. Remember that “change is the only constant in life. ” Basic Employability Skills 00108 -15

Section 2. 2. 0 – Problem Solving • Teamwork is important. • Develop options and think them through. • Implement the chosen solution and monitor results. • Change the plan if the results aren’t satisfactory. Basic Employability Skills 00108 -15

Sections 2. 2. 1 to 2. 2. 5 – A Problem We need some welding electrodes! • • • Define the problem Analyze alternatives Choose a solution Implement and monitor Evaluate the results Basic Employability Skills 00108 -15

Wrap Up – Problem Solving GROUP WORK Solve the problem presented by the instructor. Use the five-step approach and document your thoughts for each step. Basic Employability Skills 00108 -15

Next Session… PLANNING AND SCHEDULING PROBLEMS; SOCIAL SKILLS, PART 1 Read Sections 2. 30 through 3. 3. 0. Complete the Section 1. 0. 0 and 2. 0. 0 Reviews. Basic Employability Skills 00108 -15