For Participants. Level Two. you will: Identify. Explore Identify Look at. abilities, and. skills; and. Let s get started!

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1 Level Two Homepage Hello! The Work Readinesss Resource Level 2 has been created as a tool for you to explore the world of work. In this level, you will: Identify your previous education and training; Learn about your skills; Explore and identify your interests; Identify your abilities as they relate to the world of work; Look at why you should explore your interests, abilities, and skills; and Set career goals and objectives! Let s get started! Go to Next Step Level Two Page 1 of 23

2 Key Words and Concepts Throughout Level 2, you will find the words job, occupation, and career used. A "JOB"" refers to a paid position with specific duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Examples of jobs include: o A secretary for a company o A waitress at Main Street Diner o A children s nurse at Local Memorial Hospital An "OCCUPATION" refers to a category of employment that involves similar skills and knowledge. Examples of occupations include: o Accountant o Social worker o Hotel Manager o Nurse A CAREER is a combination of all your jobs, education, training, and work experiences that you have over your lifetime of work. Go to Next Step Level Two Page 2 of 23

3 Why Should I Explore My Education and Training, Skills, Interests, and Abilities? In order to know if a job and career are right for you, you should first consider these questions: What education and training do you have? (Education and Training) What work skills do you have? (Skills) Have you thought about what you like doing? (Interests) Do you have an idea of what you are good at doing, or what abilities you may have? (Abilities) Exploring your education and training, skills, interests, and abilities will give you an idea of where you fit into the world of work. Exploring these will: Let you know what kind of jobs and careers would match your interests so you are excited to go to work, Help you understand how your previous jobs and work experience can help you get the job or career you are most interested in, and Give you a solid understanding of what skills and abilities you have to offer to your current or future employers. You will first take a close look at the education and training you have already completed. Go to Next Step Level Two Page 3 of 23

4 Identifying Your Education and Training What education and training have you had? Using the graphic on the next page, think about all the education, training, courses, etc., that you have participated in. This could include: High School, Community college classes, College or university classes, Classes taken online on the Internet, Customer service classes, Military service, General Equivalency Degree (GED), Beauty technician classes and certificates (nail technician, hairdresser, etc.), Certificates and licenses (to drive a truck, to work with children, etc.), and klift training and truck driving classes and licensees! Think about all your education and training. Complete the TAKEAWAY on the next page by drawing a line to connect the My Education and Training circle to all the education and training items you have completed! (You may want to print out this page to keep in your Career Portfolio) Go to Next Step Level Two Page 4 of 23

5 Takeaway #1: My Education and Training Training Certificate in: Bachelors Degree Some College/ Community College Vocational, Technical, or Trade School My Education and Training High School Diploma Post Graduate / Graduate School Professional License GED Associates Degree Level Two Page 5 of 23

6 Identifying Your Skills What are skills? How do you know what skills you have? Skills show what you are capable of at a job. They represent the type of work that you have done at your previous jobs, work experience, volunteer work, etc. They are also things that you have been trained in or learned on the job such as typing, answering phones, delivering packages, etc. Some additional examples of skills that you may have include: Have you taken care of children? Have you taken care of adults? Have you worked in an office? Have you answered phones? Have you delivered packages? Have you worked with animals? All of these are examples of skills that employers want and are looking for in their future employees. So you need to make sure you know what skills you have so you can let employers know during interviews! List out the skills that you have in the TAKEAWAY on the next page! (You may want to print out this page to keep in your Career Portfolio) Did you: Example (Skills from a Restaurant Job): Serve food and beverages? Take orders? Interact with customers? Answer phones? Count change or make change from a cash drawer? Cook? Seat people at tables? These are all examples of skills that you have! Go to Next Step Level Two Page 6 of 23

7 Takeaway #2: Identifying My Skills My Skills: Level Two Page 7 of 23

8 Identifying Your Interests What is next after you know what education and training you have, as well as what skills you have? In order to be happy at a job or in a career, you need to know what your INTERESTS are. Interests are activities that do you for fun or enjoy. Some examples of personal interests include: What you like to read; What TV shows and movies you like to watch; Events you like to attend; and The kind of people you admire and like to be with. Now let s think about what you like to do at work. There is no right or wrong answer! Using the TAKEAWAY on the next page, (You may want to print out this page to keep in your Career Portfolio) think about what you like doing at work. Circle the interests that match what you like to do or would like to do at a job or occupation! If you can think of other things you are interested in besides these, write these down as well! Go to Next Step Level Two Page 8 of 23

9 Takeaway #3: My Work Interests Working with people or things Working with children Helping people Operating motorized machines or equipment Cleaning or organizing rooms or areas Working alone Writing letters, memos, or other documents Working with ideas Sewing Working with elderly, disabled, or those in need Using computers Working with words Protecting people or areas Using traditional skills Providing customer service Solving complex problems Working with numbers Working with the government or government agencies Teaching traditional skills Operating own business Working indoors Bookkeeping or accounting Organizing things Farming, fishing, and hunting for commercial or community use Creating or making things or objects Fixing objects Working outdoors Other: Cleaning Building things Preserving, protecting, or conserving natural resources Drawing, painting, or Level Two sketching Page 9 of 23

10 Identifying Your Abilities What do you do well? What are you good at? Abilities are the things you do well. They include your special talents and the skills you have learned from school, training, jobs, and others. In the TAKEAWAY below (You may want to print out this page to keep in your Career Portfolio), think of the abilities that are listed in the chart in terms of how you compare to others. Circle the answer that best describes your abilities. Takeaway #4: Comparing My Abilities Level Two Page 10 of 23

11 Takeaway #5: Identifying My Additional Abilities Can you think of other abilities you have that are not listed in the chart on page 10? If so, list them in the TAKEAWAY below! (You may want to print out this page to keep in your Career Portfolio) My Abilities: Level Two Page 11 of 23

12 Reflecting and Check-In Let s review what you have done so far in this section! Do you better understand what education and training you have? Do you know what work skills you have? What are your work interests? Do you know what abilities you have? Take some time to think about these questions and record all your education and training, skills, interests and abilities in one place in the TAKEAWAY to the right! (You may want to print out this page to keep in your Career Portfolio). Education and Training Skills Takeaway # 6: Reflection Interests Abilities Now let s begin exploring how the world of education and training is organized and why you should explore! Go to Next Step Level Two Page 12 of 23

13 What are My Education and Training Options? Have you thought about what types of education and training are available? Searching for jobs and occupations that match your abilities, skills, and interests are great, but you may need to look at getting additional education and training to go after the jobs and occupations you are most interested in! Licen ses Licenses are sets of specific knowledge and skills that are legally required for some occupations. Licensing requirements often vary by state. Exploree the requirements for specific occupations in your state by going to: Certifications Certifications are awards that can be earned by passing tests associated with specific occupations. Employers expect these certifications from employees in order to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and experience. You can find certifications by occupation, industry or keyword at: To find out more about credentials, licensures, and how military experience/training can provide you with workforce credentials, please visit: Level Two Page 13 of 23

14 Short term Traini ing Job Corps These programs allow you to earn a certificate, diploma, or award. These short term training programs typically take less than 2 years. You can find short term training opportunities at: / Job Corps is a free education and training program sponsored by the United States Department of Labor. It a program for people ages that helps people learn about a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. more information, please visit: //jobcorps.dol.gov Job Shadowing Job shadowing involves spending time for example, a typical working day on the job with someone who is already employed in a job you are interested in. You can go on a virtual job shadow by watching career videos. These career videos include descriptions of: responsibilities of the job, the work environment, and the education, skills, and other requirements needed to succeed in that job. Check out Virtual Job Shadow: / Level Two Page 14 of 23

15 Work Experience/ Internships Work experience and internships involve actually doing the job rather than merely observing. It is often done on a volunteer basis. Check with your caseworker or job coach for more information on internships and work experience options in your local area! On the job Training On the job training is typically provided by the employer at the employer's expense. On the job training can be formal or informal. You do need to consider how long this training will last (example: 2 weeks, 3 months, etc.), what pay will be given, and how you may be evaluated on your job performance. Apprenticeships are typically run by an employer. Apprenticeshipss They are a combination of on the job training and education in which you will learn how to do a highly skilled occupation. There are more than 8000 occupations thatt have apprenticeships in the U.S. Apprenticeships can last from one year (Floral Designer) to six years (Photographer) Most apprenticeships last about 3 or 4 years. more information on apprenticeships in your state, you can visit: Level Two Page 15 of 23

16 Community College s These colleges typically offer two year degrees (or associate of arts degrees). The courses and associates degrees can typically be transferred to a four year college or university You can find community colleges in your area by going to: /pages/ccfinder.aspx Technical Colleges These schools typically offer short term (a few months up to two years) training programs in a variety of subject areas. The courses and associate degrees can typically be transferred to a four year college or university. You can find technical colleges in your area by going to: /pages/ccfinder.aspx These places offer a four year degree (bachelor of arts or bachelor of science). Degrees and courses are in a variety of subject areas. more information on different colleges and universities, ask your caseworker, job coach, or other trusted person. You can also find four year colleges and universities by going to: /pages/ccfinder.aspx Colleges and Universities (Four Year) If you are interested in finding out more about schools in your area, you can use the U.S. Department of Education's search tool. Level Two Page 16 of 23

17 Why Should You Explore the World of Education and Work? Why should you explore jobs, occupations, and careers? Typically people who have more education, training, or work experience can earn more money during their lifetimee of work! Some quick facts on education and high-demand jobs and occupations are listed below. Think about it! Full time workers age 25 and over with a high school diploma earn, on average, $165 more a week than those without a high school diploma (Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2008). Workers with a high school diploma earn on average $165 more per week than those without a high school diploma Full time workers age 25 and over with a high school diploma on average were unemployed at a rate of 5.7% while those without a diploma had the highest unemployment rate at 9% (Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2008). Among people 25 to 64 years old: o 86% of those with a college degree or higher work; o 76% of those who had completed only high school work; and o 64% %of those who did not finish high school weree working (National Center for Education Statistics. Chapter 5: Outcomes of Education. Digest of Education Statistics: 2008.). Health Care is one of the largest industries in the United States and seven of the 30 fastestt growing jobs or occupations are in the health care field. Of these seven health care jobs: o o o o Three require on-the-job training; Two require post-high school certificates; One requires an associate degree; and One requires a professional degree (Bureau of Labor Statistics. Table 6: 30 occupations with the largest employment growth, of the 20 fastest growing jobs or occupations from now through 2018 require training beyond a high school degree (Bureau of Labor Statistics. Tomorrow s Jobs Level Two Page 17 of 23

18 In 2008, women age 25 or over with: No high school diploma or GED earned an average of $14,999 a year; Only a high school diploma earned an average of $22,859 a year; An associate s degree earned an average of $31,855 a year; and A bachelor s degree earned an average of $48,074 a year (U.S. Census Bureau. Historical Income Tables: P Print the TAKEAWAY on the following page to help you remember the importance of education and training! Level Two Page 18 of 23

19 Takeaway #7: Reasons to Explore the World of Education and Work Health care is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States with seven of the 30 fastest growing jobs. 86% of adults with a college degree work, while only 64% of adults without a high school degree were working. Workers with a high school diploma earn on average $165 more per week than those without a high school diploma. Workers without a high school degree have an unemployment rate of about 9% while workers with a high school degree have an unemployment rate of 5.7%. Women with a bachelor s degree earn an average of $48,000 per year while women without a high school diploma earn less than $15,000 per year. 12 of the 20 fastest growing jobs or occupations require training beyond a high school degree. Level Two Page 19 of 23

20 Things to Consider: Pursuing Additional Education and Training If you want to get additional education and training, you should definitely look at a few factors such as: Do you like studying? Are you willing to invest time and money into education? Are there education and training options that you can pursue that are free? What education and training do you already have? (think back to your first activity that you completed in Level 2. You should also consider that you may combine these options so that they work best for your particular situation (see example). Why would you combine education and training options? Some reasons could be: Example A: You can decide to work in your current job as a secretary as you gain additional education or training to go to a different occupation as an accountant. This option allows you to continue to make money while you pursue a new occupation! You don t know what career or degree you want to pursue; You want more of a flexible schedule; You have a part-time or full-time job that helps you pay the bills and you want to go to school part-time; and You have childcare and transportation needs that make it easier to pursue a certain type of education or training right now. Example B: You can begin at a two year community college while you continue to work to make money. Then you can transfer to a four year school. While these are challenges, remember that there are a number of services and organizations out there that want to work with you to get you on your career path! Go to Next Step Level Two Page 20 of 23

21 Things to Think About When Setting Goals In order to really understand what jobs or occupations you are interested in, it is important to set an employment goal. You cannot set out on a quest for a job looking for just anything. If you do, you will waste a lot of effort. Take the time to think about what you want from that next job: Type of job, Wages, Location, Job security, Uses your new education and training, Hours, and Benefits. Example Objective: To obtain an entry level office position where my computer skills and attention to detail may be fully utilized. Example Goals: I will send out 10 resumes by next Friday. I will only look for jobs that are in hotel management. Goal setting is an important part of a successful employment search. It is critical that you take the time to establish clear goals that will help you reach your objective. Goals should be: Clear and easy to understand. Realistic. Specific. Have a timeline. Level Two Page 21 of 23

22 It is also important to set goals in areas thatt are related to your job search such as finding child care or maintaining your health. When developing your goals, rememberr that sometimes support is needed to reach your goals! Who do you have in your life that can help you reach your goals? Family? Friends? Co-workers? Caseworker? Employer? Other people? Go to Next Step Level Two Page 22 of 23

23 Setting Your Education and Work Goals Use the following TAKEAWAY to think about and record your goals for different time periods. (You may want to print out this page to keep in your Career Portfolio). Remember! A goal for 1 month from now will be very different than 6 months or 1 year from now. Remember you can always go back and fine tune and realign your goals with where you are in your current work situation. Takeaway #8: My Education and Work Goals You have finished Level 2. Go to Level 3 now. Level Two Page 23 of 23