Module Eight
Core CurriCulum
Lesson Plans for Instructors
Basic Employability
Skills
00108-15
00108-15 Basic Employability Skills Module Eight i
Lesson Plans for Module 00108–15
Basic EmployaBility skills
Module Eight (00108–15) provides trainees with guidance related to finding and securing a position in the con-
struction trades. In addition, guidance in the areas of problem–solving and effective interaction with others is
offered to help ensure their success in the construction trades.
Teaching Time: 7.5 hours
(Three 2.5–Hour Classroom Sessions)
Session time may be adjusted to accommodate your class size, schedule, and teaching style.
Prerequisites
Core Curriculum Modules 00101-15; 00102-15; 00103–15; 00104–15; 00105–15; and 00107-15.
Before You Begin
As you prepare for each session, allow sufficient time to review the course objectives, content, visual aids
(including the PowerPoint® presentation), and these lesson plans, and to gather the required equipment and
materials. Consider time required for demonstrations, laboratories, field trips, and testing.
Objectives
Learning Objective 1
• Describe the opportunities in the construction
business and how to enter the construction
workforce.
a. Describe the construction business and the
opportunities offered by the trades.
a. Describe critical thinking and barriers to
solving problems.
b. Describe how to solve problems using
critical thinking.
c. Describe problems related to planning and
scheduling.
Learning Objective 3
• Explain the importance of social skills and
identify ways good social skills are applied in
the construction trade.
a. Identify good personal and social skills.
b. Explain how to resolve conflicts with
co-workers and supervisors.
Performance Tasks
This is a knowledge-based module; there are no
Performance Tasks.
ii NCCER – Core Curriculum 0010 8 -15
Classroom Equipment
and Materials
Whiteboard/chalkboard
Markers/chalk
Pencils and paper
Core Curriculum PowerPoint®
Presentation
DVD player
LCD projector and screen
Computer
Internet access during class (optional)
Copies of the Module Examination
Safety Considerations
There are no safety considerations related to this module.
Additional Resources
This module presents thorough resources for task training. The following resource material is suggested for
further study.
Knock ‘em Dead Resumes: A Killer Resume Gets More Job Interviews! Martin Yate. 2014. Avon, MA: Adams
Media.
Knock ‘em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search, Martin Yate. 2014. Avon, MA: Adams Media.
The Re–Discovery of Common Sense – A Guide to the Lost Art of Critical Thinking, Chuck Clayton. 2007.
Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, Inc.
Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace: Developments in Theory, Research, and Practice, Stale Einarsen;
Minor Decisions: Major Impact. How to Deal with Real Issues in
Project Management, DVD. NCCER. 2009. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson Education, Inc.
Equipment and Materials for
Laboratories and Performance Testing
00108-15 Basic Employability Skills Module Eight iii
The Lesson Plan for this module is divided into three 2.5–hour sessions.
This time includes 10 minutes for administrative tasks and a 10-minute break per session.
SeSSion one
Session One discusses opportunities in the
construction business and how to enter the
construction workforce.
1. Show the Session One PowerPoint®
presentation.
2. Use the Kickoff Activity to familiarize trainees
with the topics of this module.
SeSSion Two
Session Two discusses the importance of
critical thinking and how to solve problems.
1. Show the Session Two PowerPoint®
presentation.
2. Describe problems related to planning and
scheduling.
SeSSion Three
Session Three discusses the importance of
social skills and identifies ways good social
skills are applied in the construction trade.
1. Show the Session Three PowerPoint®
presentation.
2. Explain how to accept and provide
constructive criticism.
6. Record the testing results on the Registration
of Training Modules Form, and submit the
report to your Training Program Sponsor.
Basic EmployaBility skills
Session Outline for 00108–15
iv NCCER – Core Curriculum 0010 8 -15
Materials Checklist for Module 00108-15, Basic Employability Skills
Equipment and Materials
Personal protective equipment: Minor Decisions: Major Impact.
How to Deal with Real Issues
Pencils and paper
Core Curriculum PowerPoint®
Presentation Slides
DVD player
Computer
Copies of the Module
Examination
00108-15 Basic Employability Skills Module Eight 1
construction opportunitiEs and proBlEm solving
Classroom Session 1 for 00108-15
Safety Considerations
The following safety consideration should be emphasized when introducing trainees to the
construction environment:
Remind trainees that some forms of PPE may be required any time they are in the shop or on a job site.
Safety Equipment
The use of specific safety equipment is not anticipated during this session.
Classroom and/or Lab Equipment
None required for this session.
Resources
No specific resources are required for this session.
Kickoff Activity
Identify which trainees are presently employed. Have each one talk about their path to finding and
securing the job. For those that are not presently employed, have them talk about their job-seeking
efforts to date and their experience with the process.
Session Objectives
When trainees have completed this session, they should be able to do the following:
1. Describe the opportunities in the construction business and how to enter the construction workforce.
a. Describe the construction business and the opportunities offered by the trades.
Session Performance Requirements
Trainees will not complete a Performance Task during this session.
Instructional Outline
Research has shown that varying instructional methods periodically throughout class sessions helps to
engage and hold trainees’ attention. The Core Curriculum PowerPoint® presentation that you received
with this lesson plan is keyed to the sections of the Trainee Guide indicated below and has been
designed for use with this lesson plan.
2 NCCER – Core Curriculum 0 0108-15
construction opportunitiEs and proBlEm solving
Classroom Session 1 for 00108-15
Classroom: Sections 1.0.0–1.2.0
Discuss the many opportunities available in the construction industry.
Review the bulleted list of workers to demonstrate the many skill sets required to complete a construc-
tion project. Describe a company’s mission statement.
Classroom: Sections 2.0.0–2.1.1
Explain how problem solving is crucial to the timely completion of projects.
Classroom: Sections 2.2.0–2.2.5
Introduce the process of solving problems through critical thinking. Review the five-step problem-
solving process in detail. Present the example problem of the welding electrode shortage.
Wrap Up
Prepare a hypothetical problem that is realistic for your job site or organization. If possible, make the
problem relevant to the craft that the trainees plan to study. It is suggested that trainees work in small
Homework
Assign the reading of Sections 2.3.0 through 3.3.0. Have trainees complete the 1.0.0 and 2.0.0 Section
Reviews.
00108-15 Basic Employability Skills Module Eight 3
Classroom Session 2 for 00108-15
planning and schEduling proBlEms;
social skills, part onE
Safety Considerations
The following safety consideration should be emphasized when introducing trainees to the
construction environment:
Remind trainees that some forms of PPE may be required any time they are in the shop or on a job site.
Safety Equipment
The use of specific safety equipment is not anticipated during this session.
Classroom and/or Lab Equipment
Minor Decisions: Major Impact. How to Deal with Real Issues in Project Management, DVD. NCCER. 2009.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Resources
No specific resources are required for this session.
Session Objectives
When trainees have completed this session, they should be able to do the following:
2. Explain the importance of critical thinking and how to solve problems.
c. Describe problems related to planning and scheduling.
Session Performance Requirements
Trainees will not complete a Performance Task during this session.
Instructional Outline
Research has shown that varying instructional methods periodically throughout class sessions helps to
Review
Review the answers to the 1.0.0 and 2.0.0 Section Reviews.
4 NCCER – Core Curriculum 0 0108-15
planning and schEduling proBlEms;
social skills, part onE
Classroom Session 2 for 00108-15
Classroom: Section 2.3.0
Explain the importance of doing tasks sequentially during construction. Discuss the roles and
responsibilities of those involved in the planning and construction phases. Review the list of potential
problem areas.
Classroom: Sections 2.3.1–2.3.2
Describe the potential problems associated with material storage and delivery. Explain that change
Classroom: Sections 2.3.3–2.3.5
Talk about the problems associated with a lack of proper tools.
Explain that labor is typically the most expensive part of a project. Point out the potential problems
caused by absenteeism and other personnel issues.
Discuss approaches to handling delays related to factors such as material and labor shortages.
Classroom: Sections 3.0.0–3.1.0
Define relationships. Discuss the value of strong workplace relationships.
Explain the importance of making a good first impression through self-presentation. Offer ways to en-
sure a good first impression is made.
Classroom: Section 3.1.1
Talk about what being a dependable employee is and how it is of value to the employer. Discuss
Classroom: Sections 3.1.2–3.1.3
Describe work ethics and initiative. Talk about how these characteristics invite respect. Caution trainees
about when to take the initiative and when to ask for guidance.
Classroom: Section 3.2.0–3.2.1
Identify how conicts often begin. Describe how to tactfully approach a conict. Review the bulleted
list of ways to diffuse the situation. Ask the trainees how they have handled past conicts. Explain at
what point a supervisor needs to be involved.
00108-15 Basic Employability Skills Module Eight 5
Classroom: Section 3.2.2
Explain how to react to a conict with a supervisor. Discuss why there is a difference in the approach to
conicts with supervision. Describe the resolution process.
Classroom: Section 3.3.0
Explain that an employee becomes more valuable to the company as he or she learns. Discuss the
Classroom: Section 3.3.1
Discuss how important the approach is when offering constructive criticism. Explain that alternative
Classroom: Section 3.3.2
Explain how trainees can benefit from constructive criticism. Advise them to take responsibility for
their actions and avoid being defensive. Explain that this is a time to demonstrate good work ethics and
strong character. Discuss the importance of being respectful when responding to or disagreeing with
criticism offered.
Classroom: Section 3.3.3
Define destructive criticism. Explain that destructive criticism may not be heard as intended. Explain that
workers can set good examples for others in their response to destructive criticism.
Wrap Up
Show the series of events from the DVD entitled “Minor Decisions: Major Impact. How to Deal with Real
Homework
Assign the reading of Sections 3.4.0 through 3.5.1. Have trainees complete the 3.0.0 Section Review.
Have them review the complete module to prepare for the upcoming exam. It is further suggested that
trainees be assigned the Module Review and Trade Terms Quiz as homework.
planning and schEduling proBlEms;
social skills, part onE
Classroom Session 2 for 00108-15
00108-15 Basic Employability Skills Module Eight 7
social skills, part two; rEviEw and tEsting
Classroom Session 3 for 00108-15
Safety Equipment
The following safety consideration should be emphasized when introducing trainees to the
construction environment:
Remind trainees that some forms of PPE are required any time they are in the shop or on a job site.
Classroom and/or Lab Equipment
Copies of the Module Examination
Resources
No specific resources are required for this session.
Session Objective
When trainees have completed this session, they should be able to do the following:
3. Explain the importance of social skills and identify ways good social skills are applied in the
construction trade.
a. Identify and describe various social issues of concern in the workplace.
b. Describe how to work in a team environment and how to be an effective leader.
Session Performance Requirements
Trainees will not complete a Performance Task during this session.
Instructional Outline
Research has shown that varying instructional methods periodically throughout class sessions helps to
Review
Review the answers to the 3.0.0 Section Review.
Classroom: Sections 3.4.0–3.4.1
Point out that the construction workplace is a cross-section of society. Identify the types of social
problems that may be encountered in the workplace.
Discuss the various forms of harassment and bullying, and how to identify different forms. Explain
why bullies often act as they do. Explain that bullying happens to adults as well as children. Stress the
importance of clearly and accurately documenting events.
8 NCCER – Core Curriculum 0 0108-15
Classroom Session 3 for 00108-15
social skills, part two; rEviEw and tEsting
Classroom: Section 3.4.2
Explain that although alcohol is legal, as is marijuana in some areas, there is no room for either in the
workplace. Discuss workplace drug use and drug testing. Identify commonly abused drugs. Emphasize
the warning found in this section. Describe the various types of drugs and their effects. Warn about the
consequences of inappropriate drug and alcohol use. Discuss assistance available for those needing help.
Classroom: Section 3.5.0
Define teamwork and explain that teams generally have a common goal. Discuss what it means to be a
good team member. Talk about how goal-oriented members help a team accomplish their tasks. Review
Classroom: Section 3.5.1
Discuss how leadership skills contribute to career advancement. Note that even apprentices can
demonstrate good leadership skills. Review the bulleted list of leadership characteristics. Ask trainees if
they think they have any of these characteristics. Use the bulleted list to discuss the functions of a leader.
Define the leadership styles, and give examples of situations where each would be appropriate. Discuss
the impact of motivating and inspiring others. Use the bulleted list to describe ways to motivate a team.
Review
Ask the trainees if they wish to review any particular information from the module. Have the them
Examination
Administer the Module Exam. As they begin, remind trainees that they must answer at least 70 percent
of the questions correctly to pass the module exam.
Wrap Up
Ask the trainees if there were any trouble areas on the exam and to identify a favorite and least favorite
Homework
Assign the reading of the next module in the teaching sequence.
Instructor
Record the testing results on the Registration of Training Modules Form, and submit the report to your
Training Program Sponsor.
00108-15 Basic Employability Skills Module Eight 9
Module Eight (00108–15)
answEr kEys
SECTION REVIEW ANSWER KEY
SECTION 1.0.0
Answer Section Reference Objective
SECTION 2.0.0
Answer Section Reference Objective
SECTION 3.0.0
Answer Section Reference Objective
1. d 3.1.2 3a
10 NCCER – Core Curriculum 0010 8 -15
ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS
Answer Section Reference
1. d 1.2.0
Module Eight (00108–15)
answEr kEys
00108-15 Basic Employability Skills Module Eight 11
Module Eight (00108–15)
answEr kEys
ANSWERS TO TRADE TERMS QUIZ
1. Mission statement
2. Reference
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