Competency Area 6: Career Exploration

List of Competencies

Note: The letter "D" indicates a competency specific to youth with disabilities

• 6.1 Knowledge of technology and online search skills
• 6.2 Knowledge of tools and processes for career exploration
• 6.3 Ability to engage employers in career exploration
• 6.4 Knowledge of workplace and 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

6.1 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

• Breaking Down Technological Barriers. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 14 (2005).
• National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (2003). Math, Science, and Technology: Essential Skills for Career Success in the 21st Century.
• Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
• The Right Connections: Navigating the Workforce Development System. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 13 (2005).

Other Resources

• Ball State University (n.d.). Career Center Resources.
• CareerBuilder.com (n.d.).
• CareerOneStop Education and Training (n.d.).
• Hoffman, A. (2005). Show Your Skills on Your IT Resume. Monster.com.
• Job Bank (2005). Skills for Job Retention.
• Maze Master (2005). Job Search Techniques.
• Ministry of Education, Ontario (2005). Job Search Skills.
• Ministry of Education, Ontario (2005). Job Search Tools Portal.
• Monster.com (n.d.).
  • Random question interview generator.
  • Resume readiness quiz.
  • Perfect career quiz.
  • Other interactive tools.
• NextSteps.org (n.d.). Job Search Strategies Module.
• NIEFS (n.d.). Job Search Skills Portal.
• O*NET (n.d.). O*NET Online.
• USAJOBS (n.d.).
• VA Tech (2005). Job Search Tools and Skills Resources.

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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 Monster.com's perfect career quiz and other interactive tools that help match preferences and skill standards with jobs and careers
• Engage in the Career Circuit D3. 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

• How Young People Can Benefit from One-Stop Centers. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 3 (2002).
• National Youth Employment Coalition. (n.d.). PEPNet Online Index to Quality Practices, 3.4 (working).
• Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
• Vocational Assessment and Its Role in Career Planning. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 20 (2008).

Other Resources

• Ball State University (n.d.). Career Center Resources.
• CareerBuilder.com (n.d.).
• CareerOneStop Education and Training (n.d.).
• Hoffman, A. (2005). Show Your Skills on Your IT Resume. Monster.com.
• Job Bank (2005). Skills for Job Retention.
• Ministry of Education, Ontario (2005). Job Search Skills.
• Ministry of Education, Ontario (2005). Job Search Tools Portal.
• Montana State University (2005). Tips on Resumes, Interviewing & Job Hunting Skills.
• Monster.com (n.d.).
  • Random question interview generator.
  • Resume readiness quiz.
  • Perfect career quiz.
  • Other interactive tools.
• NextSteps.org (n.d.). Job Search Strategies Module.
• NIEFS (n.d.). Job Search Skills Portal.
• O*NET (n.d.). O*NET Online.
• USAJOBS (n.d.).
• VA Tech (2005). Job Search Tools and Skills Resources.

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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

• Building Lasting Connections to Employers: Community-Wide Intermediaries. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (n.d.)
• Disability Inquiries in the Workforce Development System. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 9 (2004).
• National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (n.d.). Employer Guideposts for Success
• National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (n.d.). Employer Page.
• National Youth Employment Coalition. (n.d.). PEPNet Online Index to Quality Practices, 2.8 (employer engagement).
• Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
• Strategies for Youth Workforce Programs to Become Employer Friendly Intermediaries. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 12 (2005).

Other Resources

• Ball State University (n.d.). Career Center Resources.
• CareerBuilder.com (n.d.).
• CareerOneStop Education and Training (n.d.).
• Hoffman, A. (2005). Show Your Skills on Your IT Resume. Monster.com.
• Job Bank (2005). Skills for Job Retention.
• Maze Master (2005). Job Search Techniques.
• Ministry of Education, Ontario (2005). Job Search Skills.
• Ministry of Education, Ontario (2005). Job Search Tools Portal.
• Monster.com (n.d.).
  • Random question interview generator.
  • Resume readiness quiz.
  • Perfect career quiz.
  • Other interactive tools.
• NextSteps.org (n.d.). Job Search Strategies Module.
• NIEFS (n.d.). Job Search Skills Portal.
• O*NET (n.d.). O*NET Online.
• USAJOBS (n.d.).
• VA Tech (2005). Job Search Tools and Skills Resources.

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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

• Math, Science, and Technology: Essential Skills for Career Success in the 21^st Century. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 7 (2003).
• National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (2002). Labor Market Trends for Technology-Focused Occupations and Career Fields: Implications for High School/ High Tech Program Operators.
• Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
• Rhoades, S. The High School/High Tech Program Guide: A Comprehensive Transition Program Promoting Careers in Science,
• The Right Connections: Navigating the Workforce Development System. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 13 (2005).
• Technology, Engineering and Math for Youth with Disabilities. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (2007).
• Serving Youth with Disabilities Under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998: The Basics. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 4 (2003).
• Wills, J. Preparing All Youth for Academic and Career Readiness: Implications for High School Policy and Practice. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (2008).

Other Resources

• ARCH (2004). A Legal Resource Centre for Persons with Disabilities.
• Ball State University (n.d.). Career Center Resources.
  
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Bureau of Labor and Statistics Youth Page.
• CareerBuilder.com (n.d.).
• CareerOneStop Education and Training (n.d.).
• Career Voyages
• Hoffman, A. (2005). Show Your Skills on Your IT Resume. Monster.com.
• Job Bank (2005). Skills for Job Retention.
• Maze Master (2005). Job Search Techniques.
• Ministry of Education, Ontario (2005). Job Search Skills.
• Ministry of Education, Ontario (2005). Job Search Tools Portal.
• Monster.com (n.d.).
  • Random question interview generator.
  • Resume readiness quiz.
  • Perfect career quiz.
  • Other interactive tools.
• NextSteps.org (n.d.). Job Search Strategies Module.
• NIEFS (n.d.). Job Search Skills Portal.
• O*NET (n.d.). O*NET Online.
• USAJOBS (n.d.).
• VA Tech (2005). Job Search Tools and Skills Resources.

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6.5.D 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

• Math, Science, and Technology: Essential Skills for Career Success in the 21^st Century. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 7 (2003).
• Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
• OneStops.info. (2005). National Center on Workforce and Disability for Adults.
• Personal Assistance Services on the Job. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 6 (2003).
• The Right Connections: Navigating the Workforce Development System. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 13 (2005).
• Serving Youth with Disabilities Under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998: The Basics. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth InfoBrief, Volume 4 (2003).

Other Resources

• APSE (n.d.). Association for Persons in Supported Employment.
• ARCH (2004). A Legal Resource Centre for Persons with Disabilities.
• Ball State University (n.d.). Career Center Resources.
• CareerBuilder.com (n.d.).
• CareerOneStop Education and Training (n.d.).
• Hoffman, A. (2005). Show Your Skills on Your IT Resume. Monster.com.
• Job Bank (2005). Skills for Job Retention.
• Maze Master (2005). Job Search Techniques.
• Ministry of Education, Ontario (2005). Job Search Skills.
• Ministry of Education, Ontario (2005). Job Search Tools Portal.
• Monster.com (n.d.).
  • Random question interview generator.
  • Resume readiness quiz.
  • Perfect career quiz.
  • Other interactive tools.
• NextSteps.org (n.d.). Job Search Strategies Module.
• NIEFS (n.d.). Job Search Skills Portal.
• O*NET (n.d.). O*NET Online.
• USAJOBS (n.d.).
• VA Tech (2005). Job Search Tools and Skills Resources.

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