WHAT KIND OF JOB DO I WANT? A LOOK AT APPRENTICESHIPS GRADES: LESSON: 3

Transcription

1 Sparking the Future WHAT KIND OF JOB DO I WANT? A LOOK AT APPRENTICESHIPS GRADES: LESSON: 3 LEARNING GOALS: Students will describe the key points of apprenticeship. Students will identify the qualities of a successful apprentice. ALIGNMENT WITH STANDARDS: Essential Academic Learning Requirements Grades 9/10 Grade Level Expectations: This lesson is aligned with Communication and and Writing Students will contribute responsibly in a group setting to analyze and respond to information. They will develop materials in a career-appropriate format. Common Core State Standards Grades 11-12: This lesson is aligned with English Language Arts Speaking and Listening 1d and 4 and Writing 4. Students will participate in a group project about apprenticeships, integrating multiple sources of information to do so. They will also complete a short writing exercise. American School Counselor Association National Standards: This lesson is aligned with ASCA Career A2.3, B1.8, and B2.1. Students will demonstrate knowledge about the changing workplace. They will understand how changing economic and societal needs influence employment trends and their need for future training. MATERIALS NEEDED: The Apprenticeship Advantage (printout included in this lesson plan or download from A Look at Apprenticeships and Answer Key (next pages of this lesson plan) CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES: 1. Introduce the idea of apprenticeships. Ask students if they have ever heard of an apprenticeship. Many may be familiar with the Donald Trump show and that is exactly the concept, although most apprentices are not on TV and do not work for Donald Trump! Explain that an apprentice learns a job and earns money at the same time by working with a skilled expert, who provides hands-on training. In many cases, apprentices also take classroom courses at a community or technical college to deepen their knowledge. Apprenticeships are a great way to begin a highly skilled career. (5-10 minutes) Page 1 Rev 12/11

2 Sparking the Future Grades Lesson 3 A LOOK AT APPRENTICESHIPS, continued 2. Review facts about apprenticeships. Distribute The Apprenticeship Advantage and have students read it in small groups or as a whole group. Ask students if they know anyone who works in any of the occupations listed on the second page of the handout. If yes, ask if students know how these workers received their training. Then ask if any of your students might be interested in an apprenticeship. Forward names to your school s Career Center. (10-15 minutes) 3. Learn apprenticeship terms. Distribute A Look at Apprenticeships and ask students to complete it in small groups. Have them describe the qualities of a successful apprentice. Then review their answers as a whole group. (10-15 minutes) STUDENT PRODUCTS: A Look at Apprenticeships. Students should complete the handout. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Your school might wish to hold an Apprenticeship Day for students, where they could hear from community members in a range of skilled trades that provide apprenticeship opportunities. In addition, if your district offers pre-apprenticeship opportunities for high school students at a local community or technical college or at a regional Skills Center make sure students are aware of these opportunities. In addition, the following web sites will help students and their families learn more about apprenticeship opportunities Washington Department of Labor & Industries Apprenticeship: Information about how to become an apprentice, with a searchable database of apprenticeship programs by region REACH Tacoma: Provides resources for young people in Pierce County Page 2 Rev 12/11

3 A Look at Apprenticeships WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP? WHAT MAKES FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPRENTICE? Name Match the following apprenticeship terms to the correct definitions? 1. Trade 2. Sponsor 3. Current Instruction 4. Apprenticeship Agreement 5. Apprentice 6. Journey Level 7. Prevailing Wage A. An individual who has sufficient skills and knowledge of a trade, craft, or occupation to be recognized as being fully qualified to perform the work of the trade, craft, or occupation. B. A written arrangement between an apprentice and the employer containing the terms and conditions of the employment and training of the apprentice. C. Any person, firm, association, committee, or organization operating an apprenticeship and training program. D. Any apprenticeable occupation defined by the United States Department of Labor. E. The related instructional content is consistent with the latest trade practices, improvements, and technical advances. F. An individual who is employed to learn an apprenticeable occupation and is registered with a sponsor in an approved apprenticeship. G. The hourly wage, usual benefits and overtime, paid in the largest city in each county to the majority of workers, laborers, and mechanics. Established separately for each county and reflect local conditions. What credentials do you need to begin an apprenticeship? How long do apprenticeships take? Based on the list of apprenticeship possibilities, which field sounds most interesting to you? Why? Page 3 Rev 12/11

4 DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? What are the qualities of a successful apprentice? Here s what the Department of Labor & Industries recommends for someone who wants to find an apprenticeship. Good work ethic. Shows up every day, on time, for work and school. Always has backup child care and transportation plans. Words hard at a steady pace. Positive attitude. Listens and learns on the job and in school. Works with others as a team. Follows directions of crew leaders, regardless of the manner in which they are given. Aptitude. Has aptitude for the trade or occupation and some work history (paid or unpaid). Has some experience doing comparable work. Has proven potential to be a good worker (any continuous employment or training with a good attendance record will indicate this). Good physical condition. Has physical strength and endurance needed to complete the job. Can work at heights and in enclosed areas, if required. Is very safety conscious in all work. Drug free. Can pass drug/alcohol tests that are given randomly to workers. Driver s license. Has valid Washington State driver s license and good driving record. Has reliable transportation and is willing and able to go where the work is. Fluent in English. Has good verbal and written comprehension of the English language, which is necessary for successful learning on the job and in school. Education. Has education required by the trade, usually a high school diploma or GED. Math skills. Has good basic math skills, as some trades require geometry or algebra, and some require accurate reading of a tape measure. Tool knowledge. Has good basic knowledge of hand and power tools and how to use them safely. Stable life situation. Has a stable home and phone, and can manage personal issues such as credit or relationships so that they do not interfere with work or school performance. Knowledge of the apprenticeship system. Has taken the time to learn about what it takes to become an apprentice, and is prepared to wait and/or try again since apprenticeship programs only accept the number of apprentices they can keep working steadily. Committed. Is willing to commit to the apprenticeship program, sponsor, and school program. Apprenticeship sponsors invest time and money training apprentices. They want apprentices who will complete their program and stay employed within the industry. Information is from the Washington State Labor & Industries web site: Page 4 Rev 12/11

5 A Look at Apprenticeships WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP? ANSWER KEY Name Match the following apprenticeship terms to the correct definitions? D 1. Trade C 2. Sponsor E 3. Current Instruction B 4. Apprenticeship Agreement F 5. Apprentice A 6. Journey Level G 7. Prevailing Wage A. An individual who has sufficient skills and knowledge of a trade, craft, or occupation to be recognized as being fully qualified to perform the work of the trade, craft, or occupation. B. A written arrangement between an apprentice and the employer containing the terms and conditions of the employment and training of the apprentice. C. Any person, firm, association, committee, or organization operating an apprenticeship and training program. D. Any apprenticeable occupation defined by the United States Department of Labor. E. The related instructional content is consistent with the latest trade practices, improvements, and technical advances. F. An individual who is employed to learn an apprenticeable occupation and is registered with a sponsor in an approved apprenticeship. G. The hourly wage, usual benefits and overtime, paid in the largest city in each county to the majority of workers, laborers, and mechanics. Established separately for each county and reflect local conditions. What credentials do you need to begin an apprenticeship? High school diploma or GED How long do apprenticeships take? Usually several years Based on the list of apprenticeship possibilities, which field sounds most interesting to you? Why? Ask students to complete Page 5 Rev 12/11

6 The Apprenticeship Advantage...earn while you learn! What is apprenticeship? Apprenticeship is a training program where you earn wages while you learn a skilled profession in a specific field, such as construction, health care, or culinary arts. Apprenticeship combines classroom studies with on-the-job training supervised by a trade professional. Much like a college education, it takes several years to become fully trained in the occupation you choose. Unlike college though, as an apprentice you ll earn while you learn. At first, you ll make less money than skilled workers, but as you progress, you ll get regular raises. Once you ve mastered the craft, you ll receive the same wages as a professional. Why choose apprenticeship? Apprenticeship means real skills and real careers Proven success Today s carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and sheet metal workers were yesterday s apprentices. And tomorrow s manufacturing technicians, educational assistants, and firefighters may be apprenticeship graduates as well. You can find apprenticeship opportunities in most construction trades and in many other occupations. Apprenticeships in new occupations are being added all the time. Proven methods Whatever your field of interest, you will be taught by experienced professionals. You ll take at least 144 hours of related classes each year. And, you ll have a chance to practice your new skills on the job while you are learning. Higher wages Skilled trades pay more than unskilled work. That s why apprenticeships lead to higher wages. According to a survey by the Washington State Workforce Education and Training Coordinating Board, apprenticeship graduates earn an average of $58,000 per year plus benefits. Advancement potential Apprenticeship graduates usually advance more rapidly than other workers, so higher-paying jobs come more quickly. Some apprentices move into supervisory positions within just a few years. Equal opportunity Apprenticeship programs must provide equal opportunity to all who are interested. They are eager for qualified women and minority applicants. Valuable skills credential When you complete your apprenticeship, you ll receive a graduation certificate valid anywhere in the U.S. that demonstrates you have the knowledge and skills needed for successful performance as a professional in that occupation. F [ ]

7 Here are just a few apprenticeship training programs: Why not get started now? Think about an occupation that makes the most of your special talents, and find out if there s an apprenticeship program in that occupation. You ll need a high-school diploma, GED or equivalent, and basic reading and writing skills. Some programs require specific math training. Contact a Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Apprenticeship Consultant for assistance. They can give you tips to make the search easier and direct you toward an apprenticeship program that you might want to explore further. Bricklayer Carpenter Cement mason Construction craft laborer Culinary workers Dispensing optician Educational assistant (K-12) Electrician Elevator constructor mechanic Equipment operator Firefighter Health-care worker Heating & cooling technician Ironworker Insurance claims manager Manufacturing technician Meat cutter Painter and decorator Plumber Power-line worker And many more! Remember: Apprenticeship is a commitment that prepares you for a lifetime career. It s your career your choice your future! Contact a local apprenticeship consultant Northwest Washington King County or Pierce County Southwest Washington (Olympia/Central Peninsula) Southwest Washington (Olympia and south to Oregon) Central Washington Eastern Washington Department of Labor & Industries Apprenticeship Services P. O. Box Olympia, WA Call or Apprentice@Lni.wa.gov. or visit us online at New! Youth Web site at