Competency Area 6: Career Exploration
This competency area focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that youth service professionals need to help youth, including youth with disabilities, explore a range of career options and pathways. Click on individual competencies listed below for learning objectives, professional development activities, and resources for that specific competency or scroll down to read them all. Note: The letter “D” indicates a competency specific to youth with disabilities.
6.1 Knowledge of technology and online search skills
6.1 Knowledge of technology and online search skills
Learning Objectives
- 6.1.1 Model the routine, intentional and effective use of technology and online search skills
Selected Activities
- List and describe current online resources available for career exploration
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Develop, maintain, and demonstrate the use of an updated resource list related to search strategies and resources for job skills and readiness
- Demonstrate ability to use a variety of technologies to conduct an online job search
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 14. (2005).Breaking Down Technological Barriers.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 7. (2003). Math, Science, and Technology: Essential Skills for Career Success in the 21st Century.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 13. (2005). The Right Connections: Navigating the Workforce Development System.
- Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). (2011). Youth in Transition.
Other Resources
- America’s CareerInfoNet.
- America’s Service Locator.
- CareerBuilder.com.
- CareerOneStop.org.[Explore various careers, skill requirements, and training options using links on this homepage including Education & Training and Explore Careers. Use the “More Resources” section to access a further wide-range of job & career tools.]
- CareerTV.com. [This website provides career videos and more for numerous occupations.]
- Maze Master. (2005). Job Search Techniques.
- Monster.com. Career Advice, Interviewing, & Resumes Homepage. The following resources may be especially useful: Career Assessment, Career Snapshots, Resume Writing Tips, and Interview Preparation.
- MyNextMove.org. [Easy-to-use O*NET-based career tools especially for young adults.]
- O*NET. O*NET Online & O*Net Academy.
- USAJOBS.
6.2 Knowledge of tools and processes for career exploration
6.2 Knowledge of tools and processes for career exploration
Learning Objectives
- 6.2.1 Model the routine, intentional, and effective use of tools and processes for career exploration
Selected Activities
- Explore the O*Net Computerized Interest Profiler and other career tools that help match preferences and skill standards with jobs and careers
- Engage in the Career Circuit Section D3 – Help Youth Go/Helping Youth with Work Search and Work Maintenance Strategies tutorial
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Develop a plan that provides sequentially more in-depth experiences with youth to help explore career options and next steps
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. (2011). Using Career Interest Inventories to Inform Career Planning. Innovative Strategies Practice Brief.
- NCWD/Youth. (2007). High School/High Tech Program Guide: A comprehensive transition program promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and math for youth with disabilities. Written by S. Rhodes.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 20. (2008).Vocational Assessment and Its Role in Career Planning.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 3. (2002).How Young People Can Benefit from One-Stop Centers.
- National Youth Employment Coalition. PEPNet Online Index to Quality Practices, 3.4 Working. [Create a free login account to access this section of the PEPNet Online Tools for Program Improvement.]
- Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). (2011). Youth in Transition.
Other Resources
- America’s CareerInfoNet.
- America’s Service Locator.
- CareerBuilder.com.
- CareerOneStop.org.[Explore various careers, skill requirements, and training options using links on this homepage including Education & Training and Explore Careers. Use the “More Resources” section to access a further wide-range of job & career tools.]
- CareerTV.com. [This website provides career videos and more for numerous occupations.]
- LearningWork Connection. (2008). Career Exploration Activities Planner. Center for Learning Excellence, Ohio State University. [Also see other Online Tools, which include various customizable worksheets and forms designed for local WIA youth workforce development professionals to use].
- Maze Master. (2005). Job Search Techniques.
- Monster.com. Career Advice, Interviewing, & Resumes Homepage. The following resources may be especially useful: Career Assessment, Career Snapshots, Resume Writing Tips, and Interview Preparation.
- Montana State University. (2005). Tips on Resumes, Interviewing & Job Hunting Skills.
- MyNextMove.org. [Easy-to-use O*NET-based career tools especially for young adults.]
- O*NET. O*NET Online & O*Net Academy.
- School & Main Institute for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. (2003). Training Packets and Tools for Action on Youth at Work: Making the Most of Work-Based Learning.
- USAJOBS.
6.3 Ability to engage employers in career exploration
6.3 Ability to engage employers in career exploration
Learning Objectives
- 6.3.1 Facilitate and support collaborative engagement of employers in career exploration for your organizational population
Selected Activities
- Invite employers from a range of companies to speak to youth or host a visit to the workplace
- Develop a mentoring program between employers and youth with particular career interests
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Create a plan for outreach to engage local employers in exposing youth to careers
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. Guideposts for Employer Success.
- NCWD/Youth. (2011). Engaging Youth in Work Experiences. Innovative Strategies Practice Brief.
- NCWD/Youth. (2007). High School/High Tech Program Guide: A comprehensive transition program promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and math for youth with disabilities. Written by S. Rhodes.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 12. (2005). Strategies for Youth Workforce Programs to Become Employer Friendly Intermediaries.
- NCWD/Youth Research Brief, Issue 1. (2004). Building Lasting Connections to Employers: Community-Wide Intermediaries.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 9. (2004). Disability Inquiries in the Workforce Development System.
- National Youth Employment Coalition. PEPNet Online Index to Quality Practices, 2.8 Employer Engagement. [Create a free login account to access this section of the PEPNet Online Tools for Program Improvement.]
- Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). (2011). Youth in Transition.
Other Resources
- America’s CareerInfoNet.
- America’s Service Locator.
- CareerBuilder.com.
- CareerOneStop.org.[Explore various careers, skill requirements, and training options using links on this homepage including Education & Training and Explore Careers. Use the “More Resources” section to access a further wide-range of job & career tools.]
- CareerTV.com. [This website provides career videos and more for numerous occupations.]
- Maze Master. (2005). Job Search Techniques.
- Monadnock Center for Successful Transitions (MCST), Keene State College. (2010). How to Build Partnerships for Career Exploration – Using Job Shadows to Explore the World of Work. Written by B. Street, S. Bigaj, & S. Mahon.
- Monster.com. Career Advice, Interviewing, & Resumes Homepage. The following resources may be especially useful: Career Assessment, Career Snapshots, Resume Writing Tips, and Interview Preparation.
- MyNextMove.org. [Easy-to-use O*NET-based career tools especially for young adults.]
- O*NET. O*NET Online & O*Net Academy.
- School & Main Institute for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. (2003). Training Packets and Tools for Action on the following topics: Youth at Work: Making the Most of Work-Based Learning; Employer Engagement; and Windows on the Workplace: Mentoring, Youth, and WIA.
- USJOBS.
6.4 Knowledge of workplace and labor market trends
6.4 Knowledge of workplace and labor market trends
Learning Objectives
- 6.4.1 List and describe updated workplace and labor market trends
Selected Activities
- Producing a short newsletter or e-letter for youth that includes information on market trends.
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Develop and maintain an updated resource list related to workplace and labor market trends
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. (2007). High School/High Tech Program Guide: A comprehensive transition program promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and math for youth with disabilities. Written by S. Rhodes.
- NCWD/Youth. (2008). Preparing All Youth for Academic and Career Readiness: Implications for High School Policy and Practice. NCWD/Youth, Institute for Educational Leadership. Written by J. Wills.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 2. (2002). Labor Market Trends for Technology-Focused Occupations and Career Fields: Implications for High School/ High Tech Program Operators.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 7. (2003). Math, Science, and Technology: Essential Skills for Career Success in the 21st Century.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 13. (2005). The Right Connections: Navigating the Workforce Development System.
- Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). (2011). Youth in Transition.
Other Resources
- America’s CareerInfoNet.
- CareerOneStop.org.[Explore various careers, skill requirements, and training options using links on this homepage including Education & Training and Explore Careers. Use the “More Resources” section to access a further wide-range of job & career tools.]
- John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development. (2009). Unlocking the Treasure Chest of Labor Market Information: Crucial Information for Job Seekers, Educators, and Employers in a Tough Economy.
- Maze Master (2005). Job Search Techniques.
- Monster.com. Career Advice, Interviewing, & Resumes Homepage. The following resources may be especially useful: Career Assessment, Career Snapshots, Resume Writing Tips, and Interview Preparation.
- National Center on Workforce & Disability. [This website includes various resources to improve access for all in the workforce development system.]
- O*NET. O*NET Online & O*Net Academy.
- School & Main Institute for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. (2003). Training Packets and Tools for Action on Letting Numbers Guide: Labor Market Information and Youth Service.
- USAJOBS.
- U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. What Do You Like? – Exploring Career Information. [This website designed for youth and teachers provides introductory career information appropriate for Grades 4-8.]
- Workforce Investment Works. Labor Market Information Data & Trends. [This resource from the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) provides real-time information on state and regional labor market trends.]
6.5D Knowledge of workplace and labor market trends, including options for youth with disabilities such as supported employment, customized employment, or self-employment
6.5D Knowledge of workplace and labor market trends, including options for youth with disabilities such as supported employment, customized employment, or self-employment
Learning Objectives
- 6.5.D.1 List and describe updated workplace and labor market trends including options for youth with disabilities such as supported employment, customized employment, or self-employment
Selected Activities
- List and describe current workplace and labor market trends including options for youth with disabilities, local community labor market trends and salary/requirement/skills trends
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Develop and maintain an updated resource list related to workplace and labor market trends including options for youth with disabilities such as supported employment, customized employment, or self-employment
- Implement support strategies and show success
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. (2007). High School/High Tech Program Guide: A comprehensive transition program promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and math for youth with disabilities. Written by S. Rhodes.
- NCWD/Youth. (2008). Preparing All Youth for Academic and Career Readiness: Implications for High School Policy and Practice. NCWD/Youth, Institute for Educational Leadership. Written by J. Wills.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 7. (2003). Math, Science, and Technology: Essential Skills for Career Success in the 21st Century
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 6. (2003). Personal Assistance Services on the Job.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 13. (2005). The Right Connections: Navigating the Workforce Development System.
- Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). (2009). Employer Perspectives on Employment of People with Disabilities.
- Office of Disability Employmnt Policy (ODEP).
Other Resources
- America’s CareerInfoNet.
- Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst (APSE).
- CareerOneStop.org.[Explore various careers, skill requirements, and training options using links on this homepage including Education & Training and Explore Careers. Use the “More Resources” section to access a further wide-range of job & career tools.]
- Monster.com. Career Advice, Interviewing, & Resumes Homepage. The following resources may be especially useful: Career Assessment, Career Snapshots, Resume Writing Tips, and Interview Preparation.
- O*NET. O*NET Online & O*Net Academy.
- National Center on Workforce & Disability. Access for All. [Resources to enhance the ability of the Workforce Development System to meet the needs of people with disabilities. To see all NCWD resources, go to www.OneStops.info.]
- NTAR Leadership Center. Multiple briefs, reports, webinars, and podcasts are available including:
- Customized Employment in an Economic Downturn: Leveraging Opportunities for Employers and Job Seeker (2009 Webinar)
- Going Green: What the Workforce System Can Do to Leverage Opportunities for Job Seekers in the Emerging Clean Energy Economy (2009 Webinar)
- Leveraging State Economic Development Resources to Create Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities (2009 Brief)
- Ready and Able: National Research on Partnerships with Employers (2010 Webinar)
- Sector Strategies for Workforce Development and Opportunities for People with Disabilities (2008 Webinar)
- Using Labor Market Data to Improve the Job Prospects of People with Disabilities (2010 Brief)
- Training & Technical Assistance For Providers (T-TAP). [This website provides various resources related to strategies for employment of people with disabilities. Topics covered include: customized employment, supported employment, self employment, job negotiation, and assistive technology.]
- TransCen, Inc. (2004). Workforce Discovery: Diversity and Disability in the Workplace. [This resource is an in-depth training on disability awareness.]
- USAJOBS. Individuals with Disabilities.
- Workforce Investment Works. Labor Market Information Data & Trends. [This resource from the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) provides real-time information on state and regional labor market trends.]
