Occupational Programs.
Westside Regional Occupation Program.
I. Upon successful completion of their individualized vocational activities, each participant will: 1) understand how personal skill development (including positive attitude, honesty, self-confidence, time management, and other positive traits affect employability. 2) Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate workplace policies and procedures, 3) define business ethics and explain the importance of ethical standards and social responsibilities in the workplace. 4) Discuss importance of the following personal skills in the workplace, positive attitude, self-confidence, integrity/honesty, perseverance, self-discipline and sociability. 5) Define personal hygiene and identify acceptable business attire. 6) Prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. 7) Discuss the importance of lifelong learning.
II. Understand principles of effective interpersonal skills, group dynamics, conflict resolution, and negotiation. 1) Identify and discuss the key concepts of group dynamics. 2) Discuss and demonstrate the dynamics of conflict resolution and negotiation. 3) Work cooperatively, share responsibilities, accept supervision and assume leadership roles. 4) Demonstrate cooperative working relationships and proper etiquette across gender and cultural groups. 5) Discuss laws that apply to sexual harassment and discuss tactics for handling harassment situations.
III. Understand the importance of good academic skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the workplace. 1) Recognize the importance of good reading, writing and math skills and implement a plan for self-improvement as needed. 2) Apply estimation, measurement and calculation skills to business applications, including the following: whole number math, decimals and fractions, counting and monetary functions, and use of tables. 3) Read, write, and give directions. 4) Exhibit critical thinking and logical reasoning skills. 5) Recognize problem situations: identify, locate and organize needed information or data; and propose, evaluate, and select from alternate solutions.
IV. Understand principles of effective communication. 1) Read and implement written instructions, technical manuals, written communication and reference books. 2) Present a positive image through verbal and nonverbal communication using appropriate methods. 3) Demonstrate active listening through oral and written feedback.
V. Understand occupational safety issues, including avoidance of physical hazards. 1) Discuss and implement good safety practices. 2) Understanding and reporting of physical hazards in the work environment. 3) Safe operation of equipment. 4) Proper handling of hazardous materials as appropriate for the career pathway being learned. 5) Apply sound ergonomic principles in organizing oneีs workspace.
VI. Understand career pathways and strategies for obtaining employment. 1) Explore career opportunities and projected trends, investigate required education, training and experience and develop an individual plan. 2) Identify steps for setting goals and writing personal goals and objectives. 3) Examine aptitudes related to career options, and relate personal characteristics and interests to educational and occupational opportunities. 4) Develop job acquisition documents (portfolio) including job application, resume, appropriate cover and follow-up correspondence, plus identify and demonstrate effective interviewing techniques.
VII. Understand and adapt to changing technology. 1) Understand the importance of lifelong learning in adapting to changing technology.
VIII. Essential Employability Skills. The instruction of general workplace and essential employability skills creates a common thread throughout the project. The general workplace skills include: personal development, ethics, attendance, grooming, and self-management skills; lifelong learning and industry linked academic skills; communication, listening, speaking, writing, problem-solving, and team building skills; information and technology skills; resource identification and management skills; employment literacy, job search/career development skills; safety, diversity, and public relations skills; technical reading and writing skills; and entrepreneurial skills.
IX. The essential employability skills are defined as follows: Accountability for Actions: Accepts assignments and responsibility for carrying out the assignments, including the results achieved. Appearance: Dresses appropriately for the position and maintains personal hygiene. Appropriate Behavior: Demonstrates accepted social and work behaviors, manners, and conversation skills. Helps others, both in the performance of the job, and in teaching others. Exercises the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Attitudes: Employers desire a good attitude that means: being courteous and cooperative, being willing to learn, having a pleasant personality, and being flexible undertaking what it takes to get the job done. Common Sense: Demonstrates the capacity of making sound and prudent decisions. Continual Learning. Seeks out opportunities to gain new knowledge or to learn new skills. Uses self-regulated learning (teach themselves) Cooperation: Works cooperatively with others; contributes to the group with ideas, effort and suggestions. Conscientiousness: Acts with regard to what is considered right or proper for the circumstances. Demeanor: Carries oneีs self with an air of confidence and purpose. Dependability: Can be relied upon to show up for work and to work after showing up. Effort: Demonstrates a capacity for doing work through exertion. The total work done to achieve a particular end in a timely manner. Flexibility: Readily adapts to new, different, or changing job conditions. Goal Setting Ability: Demonstrates internal motivation by striving for successful performance in the workplace without prompting. Possessing a pattern of preparation, mental attitude, and methodology that applies to work situations. Integrity/Honesty: Given a choice, the individual will choose an ethical course of action. They can be trusted. Judgment: Uses specific situations and dispositions to reach a conclusion and then acts in an appropriate manner. Motivation: Possesses a desire to achieve goals and objectives without external prompts such as money, threats or coercion. Punctuality: Shows up for work on time, all the time. Respect: Recognizes position in the employment hierarchy. Works and communicates with co-workers, supervisors, and clients/customers in an appropriate manner. Responsibility: Exerts a high level of effort and perseverance toward goal attainment. Work Habits: Demonstrates a work ethic appropriate to the culture of the workplace with respect to attendance, punctuality, enthusiasm, neatness and perseverance.