Session 1: Construction Opportunities; Problem Solving

Session One Objectives When trainees have completed this session, they should be able to do the following: Describe the opportunities in the construction businesses and how to enter the construction workforce. Describe the construction business and the opportunities offered by the trades. Explain how workers can enter the construction workforce. Explain the importance of critical thinking and how to solve problems. Describe critical thinking and barriers to solving problems. Describe how to solve problems using critical thinking. Basic Employability Skills 00108-15

Section 1.1.0 – Construction Workforce Just a few of the trades required on a construction site: Heavy equipment operators Masons and concrete finishers Crane operators Ironworkers Welders Electricians Plumbers HVAC technicians Pipefitters Carpenters 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 construction project. Describe a company's mission statement. Basic Employability Skills 00108-15

Section 1.2.0 – Your Resume Review the list of guidelines for resume writing. Explain the importance of matching personal skills when searching for a job. Basic Employability Skills 00108-15

ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS: Section 1.2.0 – Job Search ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS: Is the salary or wage enough for my needs? What kind of benefits are offered? Will the work be challenging, yet doable with my best efforts? What kind of reputation does the company have? How does it feel to be around the people? Are they welcoming and accepting? Does the company offer training opportunities? Does the company have a well-developed safety culture? Review the questions and discuss why it is important to be sure a position will be a good fit. Basic Employability Skills 00108-15

Section 2.1.0 – Critical Thinking KEYS TO PROBLEM SOLVING Do not let personal feelings get in the way of fairly evaluating information; remain objective. Determine the cause and effect (results). Think about people who are sources of information. Ask experts and people you trust for advice. Compare new information with what you already know. If it does not fit, question it and separate fact from fiction. Weigh the merits of each option and consider if each can be justified. Review the bulleted list and explain to trainees how to draw a sound conclusion to solve a problem. Basic Employability Skills 00108-15

BARRIERS TO PROBLEM SOLVING Section 2.1.1 – Barriers BARRIERS TO PROBLEM SOLVING Being closed-minded prevents people from trusting new ideas. Forget your personal feelings about someone when listening to their ideas. Personality conflicts are certain barriers. Many people fear change. Remember that “change is the only constant in life.” Identify problem solving barriers and discuss how each can affect the outcome. Basic Employability Skills 00108-15

Section 2.2.0 – Problem Solving Teamwork is important. Develop options and think them through. Implement the chosen solution and monitor results. Change the plan if the results aren’t satisfactory. Introduce the process of solving problems through critical thinking. Review the five-step problem solving process in detail. Basic Employability Skills 00108-15

We need some welding electrodes! Sections 2.2.1 to 2.2.5 – A Problem We need some welding electrodes! Define the problem Analyze alternatives Choose a solution Implement and monitor Evaluate the results Review problem definition. Explain how alternatives are developed. Talk about the selection of the most practical solution. Discuss the implementation of solutions. Point out that the results must be examined to determine if the problem has been effectively solved. Basic Employability Skills 00108-15

Wrap Up – Problem Solving GROUP WORK Solve the problem presented by the instructor. Use the five-step approach and document your thoughts for each step. 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 groups for this project. Present each group with the problem and have them develop lists of alternatives, and then identify their final choice for a solution. Each group then presents their chosen solution. The remainder of the class then discusses the groups solution together to determine if is practical or not. Basic Employability Skills 00108-15

PLANNING AND SCHEDULING PROBLEMS; SOCIAL SKILLS, PART 1 Next Session… PLANNING AND SCHEDULING PROBLEMS; SOCIAL SKILLS, PART 1 Read Sections 2.30 through 3.3.0. Complete the Section 1.0.0 and 2.0.0 Reviews. Basic Employability Skills 00108-15