BASIC EMPLOYABILITY

SKILLSMr. Warren

Entering the Construction Workforce• When you complete your training, you will need to find a job where you can put your new skills to good use.•When looking for a job, try to find one that is a good match for your skills and experience.

Entering the Construction Workforce•Some employers require that workers are legally able to operate vehicles, so make sure you have a valid driver’s license.•You can find jobs listed in newspapers and trade magazines. You can also search for them on the internet.•Many companies that announce jobs on the internet allow you to apply online.

Entering the Construction Workforce•Ask your current supervisor and your coworkers if they would act at references for you.•A reference is a person who can vouch for your skills, experience, and work habits.

Resume•Make sure that your resume is up-to-date, well organized, and easy to read.•Good resumes and interviews lead to job offers.

Evaluating Job Offers

•You will need to evaluate the offers to select the one that works best for you.•Here are some questions to consider when selecting a job.

Evaluating Job Offers• Is the salary enough to meet my needs?•Does the company offer a benefits package that covers what I need?•Will the work be interesting and challenging but not more than I can handle?

Evaluating Job Offers•Does the company have a good reputation in the industry?•Do the people appear to be nice to work with?•Does the company offer training?•What is the company’s safety record?

Small Business•Many companies in the construction industry are considered small businesses.•You may work for a small business right now, or you may even be thinking about starting your own someday.

Small BusinessA small business is defined as follows:• It is independently owned and operated.• It is not the main or largest company in its field.• It has fewer than 500 employees.

Small Business• It makes less than a certain amount of money per year, depending on the type of work it does (less than $27.5 million for general and heavy construction companies; less than 11.5 million for special trade contractors).

Entrepreneurship•People who start and run their own businesses are called entrepreneurs.•Before starting a business, an entrepreneur must evaluate the need for such a business.•A new company will not last long unless it stands out among the competition.

Critical Thinking Skills

•Critical thinking skills allow you to solve problems effectively.•This means evaluating information and then using it to reach a conclusion or to make a decision.

Critical Thinking Skills

•Critical thinking allows you to draw sound conclusions and make correct decisions when you use the following approach:

Critical Thinking Skills•Evaluate new information with an open mind.• Identify options and alternatives.•Weigh the merits of each option and alternatives based on their merits.•Discern cause and effect• Judge the credibility of your source.

Critical Thinking Skills•Consider the credibility, or trustworthiness, of a source of information when deciding how to treat it.•For example, information from your supervisor will be more reliable than gossip that you hear at lunch.

Barriers to Problem Solving

The following are the most common barriers to effective problem solving:•Closed-mindedness•Personality conflicts•Fear of change

Solving Problems Using Critical Thinking Skills

1.Define the problem and identify an acceptable goal.

2.Analyze and explore the alternatives.

3.Choose a solution and plan its implementation.

Solving Problems Using Critical Thinking Skills

4.Put the solution into effect and monitor the results.

5.Evaluate the final result.

Computer Skills•Computers play an important part in the modern construction industry.•As part of your workplace skills, you need at least a basic understanding of computers and the work they can do.•This understanding is called computer literacy.

Computer Terms•Computer systems consist of hardware, software, and operating systems.•Together, these three elements allow a computer user to tell the computer to do something, observe results, make changes, and give new instructions.

Hardware•Hardware is the set of physical components that make up a computer.

Hardware

Hardware

•The processor, sometimes called a central processing unit or CPU, which contains the chips and circuits that enable the computer to perform its functions.

Hardware•The monitor, a television-like screen that shows information, text, and pictures to the user.•The keyboard, which allows users to type in text and instructions to the processor.•A mouse or other device that allows users to enter data without having to type on the keyboard.

Hardware

•A hard drive that stores software and electronic files, plus a CD/DVD-ROM drive or USB flash drive for transferring files to and from the computer.

Hardware•Printers and plotters that print out text, labels, graphics, and drawings on paper, plastic, and other materials.•Scanners that allow printed text or pictures to be copied into an electronic format so they can be manipulated on the computer.

Software•Software tells a computer how to perform one task or a whole series of tasks.•Software is usually installed on a computer from one or more CD-ROMs, or may be downloaded from the Internet.

Software•Operating systems allow the hardware and software to communicate.•Popular operating systems include Microsoft® Windows®, Apple® Mac OS®, and Linux.

Software•The following are some of the software packages that are commonly used in office computers in the construction industry:

Software•Word processors are used to write text documents, such as letters, reports, and forms.•Spreadsheets are used to perform math calculations, such as project budgets and company payrolls.•Databases are used to store large amounts of information, such as employee lists and material inventories, in a way that can be easily retrieved.

Software•Desktop publishing software is used to lay out text and graphics for publications, such as brochures and newsletters.•Browsers are used to search for information on the Internet.•Email programs are used to send and receive electronic mail messages.

Relationship Skills•A relationship is the process of interacting with another person, or a group of people,•Relationships are affected by both actions and perceptions.•You need to be aware of the appropriate professional conduct for work situations, and you must follow that conduct at all times.

Self-Presentation Skills•Self-presentation is the way you dress, speak, act, and interact and is a vital part of any successful work relationship.•Proper self-presentation is not only about respecting others but also about respecting yourself, and it involves developing good personal and work habits.

Self-Presentation Skills•Work habits, called your work ethic, apply to how you do your job.•Your personal habits and work ethic make powerful impressions on your colleagues, supervisors, and potential employers.•Once formed, impressions are hard to change, so you want to make sure that you make good impressions.

Lateness and Absenteeism•The two most common problems supervisors face on the job are lateness and absenteeism.•Lateness is when a worker habitually shows up late to work.•Absenteeism is when a worker consistently fails to show up for work at all, with or without excuses.

Lateness and Absenteeism•People with a strong work ethic are not often late or absent.•To make a profit and stay in business, companies operate under tight schedules. These schedules are built around workers. If you are absent or late, expensive adjustments become necessary.

Lateness and Absenteeism

•Your employer may decide that the best way to save money is to stop wasting it on you.

Improving punctuality and attendance:

•Think about what would happen if everyone on the job were late or absent frequently.•Think about how being late or absent affects your co-workers.•Know and follow your company’s policy for reporting legitimate absences or lateness.

Improving punctuality and attendance:

•Keep your supervisor informed if you need to be out for more than a day.•Allow yourself enough time to get to work.•Explain late arrival to your supervisor as soon as you get to work.•Do not abuse lunch and break privileges.

Conflict Resolution

•Conflict resolution is an important relationship skill, because conflict can happen anywhere, anytime.•Conflict can happen when people disagree, and people disagree all the time.

Conflict Resolution

•Never let a disagreement or conflict affect job performance, site safety, team morale, or an individual’s well-being.•The goal is to keep disagreements from turning into conflicts in the first place.

Conflict ResolutionIf a disagreement is getting out of hand, try one of the following techniques to cool the situation down:•Think before you react•Walk away•Do not take it personally•Avoid being drawn into others’ disagreements

Resolving Conflicts with Co-Workers

•Remember to have respect for the people you disagree with. After all they believe they are right too.•Be clear, rational, respectful, and open-minded at all times.•Begin by admitting to each other that there is a conflict.

Resolving Conflicts with Co-Workers

•Allow everyone to describe his or her own perception of the conflict.•You may realize that the whole problem was simply miscommunication.

Resolving Conflicts with Co-Workers

Ask the following questions:•How did the conflict start?•What is keeping the conflict going?• Is the conflict based on personality issues or a specific event?•Has this problem been building up for a while, or did it start suddenly?

Resolving Conflicts with Co-Workers

Ask the following questions:•Did the conflict start because of a difference in expectations?•Could the problem have been prevented?•Do both sides have the same perception of what’s going on?

Resolving Conflicts with Co-Workers

•Once you have analyzed the situation, discuss the possible solutions.•You will probably have to compromise, or meet in the middle, to find a solution that everyone agrees on.

Offering Constructive Criticism

•When you are training a less-experienced person or working with co-workers, you might find yourself offering some constructive criticism.•How should you offer it?

Offering Constructive Criticism

•Use positive, supportive words and offer facts, not opinions.•Constructive criticism works best when offered occasionally.•Do not constantly comment on other people’s work or methods.

Offering Constructive Criticism

•Never criticize people in front of their co-workers or supervisors.•They may feel embarrassed and will probably resent you.•Limit your comments to people’s work or methods, not the people themselves.

Offering Constructive Criticism

•Remember to compliment the person you are criticizing.•Compliments have a positive effect on the person receiving them, and they are easy to offer.•Try to offer compliments on a regular basis.

Receiving Constructive Criticism

•Not only can criticism make the difference between success and failure, but in cases where workplace safety is involved, it can also make the difference between life and death.

Receiving Constructive Criticism

•Not only can criticism make the difference between success and failure, but in cases where workplace safety is involved, it can also make the difference between life and death.•Think as criticism as a chance to learn and to improve your skills.

Receiving Constructive Criticism

•Always be respectful to the people you receive criticism from, and take their criticism seriously.•The deepest respect you can show them is to improve your performance based on their advice.

Leadership Skills•As you gain experience and earn credentials, you will assume positions of greater responsibility.•You will earn these positions through your hard work and dedication.•Someday, with enough hard work and dedication you may run your own company.

Leadership Skills•To progress steadily through your career you will need to develop leadership skills and learn how to use them.•Leaders set an example for others to follow.•Because of their skills, leaders are trusted, not only with the authority to make decisions, but also the responsibility to carry them out.

Leadership SkillsPeople with the ability to become leaders often exhibit the following characteristics:•They lead example.•They have a high level of drive, determination, and persistence.•They are effective communicators.

Leadership SkillsPeople with the ability to become leaders often exhibit the following characteristics:•They can motivate their team to do its best work.•They are organized planners.•They have self-confidence.

Motivation

•Effective leaders motivate, or inspire, people to do their best.•People are motived by different things at different times.

MotivationThe following are some common ways to motivate people on the job:•Recognize and praise a job well done.•Allow people to feel a sense of accomplishment.•Provide opportunities for advancement.•Encourage people to feel that their job is important.

MotivationThe following are some common ways to motivate people on the job:•Provide opportunities for change to prevent boredom.•Reward people for their efforts.

Workplace Issues•A typical construction project will involve men and women from all walks of life, of many ethnic and racial backgrounds, and from many different countries.•Many workers speak more than one language.•Workers have grown up in, and currently live in, many different income brackets.

Workplace IssuesYou may encounter the following issues in the workplace:•Harassment (sexual, age, height, weight, religious, cultural, disability)•Stress•Drug and alcohol abuse

Harassment

•Harassment often takes the form of ethnic slurs, racial, cultural issues, health, or language barriers.• It can create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

Stress•Stress is the tension, anxiety, or strain that you feel when you face unexpected events or things that are outside your control.•Stress can cause headaches, irritability, mental and physical exhaustion, and even health problems.•Stresses at home can make themselves felt at work, and work stresses can affect home life.

Reducing Stress•Plan your work, and try to finish the most difficult tasks first, while you have the energy and attention for it.•Always eat properly and get plenty of exercise.•Manage your time and money wisely so that you are not surprised by sudden shortages of either source.

Reducing Stress•For stresses that you cannot prevent, make a plan to deal with your problems.•Control your anger and frustration by relaxing in a way that you enjoy.•Talk with someone who will help you get a better perspective on your situation.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse•Drinking is a common way to avoid or forget about stress.•Alcohol abuse, which means habitually drinking in excess, not only is socially unacceptable, but also poses a serious health and safety risk for yourself, your colleagues and your family.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

•Unlike alcohol, illegal drug use is never acceptable.•Misusing legal prescription drugs is also not acceptable.

Drug and Alcohol AbuseTypes of drugs that are sometimes used inappropriately by workers include the following:•Amphetamines•Methamphetamines•Barbiturates•Hallucinogens

Drug and Alcohol Abuse•Amphetamines and methamphetamine, a highly addictive crystalline drug derived from amphetamines, are both stimulants that affect the central nervous system.•Also called uppers, they are used to prolong wakefulness and endurance.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

•Caffeine and tobacco are common legal amphetamines.•Cocaine, crack, and crystal meth are illegal amphetamine drugs.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse•Barbiturates are a sedative, which means they cause you to relax.•They are also called downers•They can cause slurred speech, slow your reaction and cause mood swings.•Alcohol and the prescription drug Valium® are barbiturates.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse•Hallucinogens distort your perception of reality to the point where you see things that are not there.•Hallucinogens can cause chills, nausea, trembling, and weakness.•Mescaline and LSD are two illegal hallucinogens.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse• If you abuse drugs or alcohol, you will probably not be able to get or keep the job you want.• If you are discovered using illegal drugs, you can be fired on the spot because of the safety risks related to drug use.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

•Addiction affects your well-being and state of mind, and you cannot do your best on the job or at home.• It can also jeopardize your relationships with friends, family, and co-workers.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

• If people you know are addicted to alcohol or drugs, seek help for them or encourage them to get help for themselves.