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.).
- 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.
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.).
- 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.
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.).
- 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.
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 21st 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.).
- 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.
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 21st 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.).
- 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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