Basic Employability Skills Module 00108-09

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to: Objectives Upon completion of this module, you will be able to: 1. Explain your role as an employee in the construction industry. 2. Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to solve problems using those skills. 3. Demonstrate knowledge of computer systems and explain common uses for computers in the construction industry. 4. Define effective relationship skills. 5. Recognize workplace issues such as sexual harassment, stress, and substance abuse.

Performance Tasks 1. Demonstrate the ability to access, retrieve, and print from the following basic software programs: • Email • Databases • Internet

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY The construction industry creates the environment in which we live and work. A wide variety of skills Second largest industry in the U.S. – bigger than the steel and automotive industries combined Employs more than 5 million people (2008) Over $1 Billion spent on new construction in November of 2008 Consists of independent companies of all sizes that specialize in one or more types of work Did you know – If your base pay is $18 per hour, it costs your employer $24.30 per hour. The following factors add to the cost of employing you. Workers’ compensation Insurance Social Security Equipment Vacation days Sick leave That’s about 35% more that what you are being paid. That extra money must come from profits. If your employer does not make a profit – no raises, maybe even no job! You can help your employer make a profit if you do the following:

Avoid accidents Follow company rules and policies Work quickly and efficiently Use company property appropriately Meet deadlines Show up to work on time

Entering the Construction Workforce Look for a job that is a good match for your skills and experience If you only have two years experience, do not apply for a journey level position Some employers require you to operate vehicles – make sure you have a valid drivers license and a good driving record! You can find jobs listed in newspapers, trade magazines, the internet, word of mouth A reference is someone who can vouch for your skills, experience, and work habits. Make sure you have some. Make sure your resume is up-to-date, well organized, and easy to read. You can find excellent sources in print and on-line to help you write a resume. The purpose of the resume is to get you an interview, so make sure it is accurate and well written. Good resumes and interviews lead to job offers. In this module, your will learn additional skills that will help you to make a good impression during your interviews The way you speak, act, and interact is called self-presentation.

Figure 2 Resume.

Offer Evaluation 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? Does the company have a good reputation in the industry? Do the people appear nice to work with? Does the company offer training? What is the company’s safety record?

Figure 4 An organizational chart. 10

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS Critical thinking skills allow you to solve problems effectively. Critical thinking is the process of evaluating a problem, then reaching a conclusion or making a decision. Critical thinking allows you to draw sound conclusions and make correct decisions when you use the following approach: Evaluate new information with an open mind Identify options and alternatives Weigh the merits of each option and alternative and justify them Accept or reject options and alternatives based on their merits Discern cause and effect Judge the credibility of your source – (is it true just because you found it on the internet?)

BARRIERS TO PROBLEM SOLVING Closed-mindedness Personality conflicts Getting along with co-workers and thinking critically are examples of interpersonal skills Fear of change The contribution of each member of a group toward a common goal is called teamwork.

Figure 5 The five-step problem-solving procedure. 13

PROBLEMS WITH PLANNING AND SCHEDULING Foremen and superintendents are responsible for ensuring that a project stays on schedule, nevertheless, as a member of the team, you may called on by your supervisor to evaluate and solve some problems. Generally problems fall into one or more of the following categories: Materials Equipment Tools Labor If you see a potential source of delay on a project, notify your supervisor immediately! A common problem on the jobsite that contributes to delays is absenteeism.

Figure 7 Laptop computer. COMPUTER SKILLS Computer systems consist of hardware, software, and operating systems. 15

Figure 8 Computer hardware. 16

Figure 9 Samples of computer software used in the construction industry, including AutoCAD™ and Primavera. 17

Figure 9 Samples of computer software used in the construction industry, including AutoCAD™ and Primavera. 18

Figure 10 Many modern tools and machines are computer controlled. Machine tools that are controlled by computers are called CNC (computer numerically controlled) 19

A device that helps increase field worker productivity by providing reliable location and time data is called a GPS (Global Positioning System)

RELATIONSHIP SKILLS The process of interacting with another person is a relationship. One relationship skill is “Self Presentation”. Self presentation includes the way you dress, speak, act, and interact with other people. Personal Habits: Co-workers and supervisors like people who are dependable. Being dependable means showing up for work on time every day. It also means not stretching out lunch hours and breaks. When dependable workers say they will do a task, they follow through with that promise. Ensure you are technically qualified to perform your tasks Be a professional. Professionalism means that you work with integrity and in a professional manner. You work safely. You respect company confidentiality. Most companies have a dress code that professionals follow.

Work Ethic: Companies look for people who will give them a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. Having a strong work ethic means that you enjoy working and that you will do your best on each task. You must be able to work without constant supervision. This type of positive action is called initiative. Initiative earns you the respect of supervisors and co-workers You will never stop learning better ways to solve problems if you are open to change. Lateness and Absenteeism: The two most common problems supervisors face are lateness and absenteeism. Think about what would happen if everyone on the job were late or absent frequently Think about how being late affects your co-workers Know and follow your company’s policy for reporting legitimate absences or lateness Allow yourself enough time to get to work Explain a late arrival to your supervisor as soon as you get to work.

Figure 11 Construction companies operate under tight schedules. 24

CONFLICT RESOLUTION Conflict resolution is an important relationship skill because conflict can happen at any time. Conflicts happen when people disagree and people disagree all the time. Conflict at work can arise because of disagreements over work habits, or different attitudes about the job or the company. Conflicts with your supervisor can happen over work load, absenteeism, how you were corrected about something etc. Never let a disagreement or conflict affect your job performance. The goal is to keep disagreements from turning into conflict in the first place. If a disagreement with a coworker is getting out of hand, try one the following techniques to cool things down. Think before you react Walk away Do not take it personally Avoid being drawn into other’s disagreements Can you take the same approach in resolving a conflict with your boss that you do with a co-worker?

Giving and Receiving Criticism: Constructive Criticism Constructive criticism is advice designed to help you correct a mistake or improve an action. On the job criticism does NOT mean that colleagues and supervisors think little of you. In fact, it means the opposite! How should you give it? How should you receive it?

WORKPLACE ISSUES Harassment: Discrimination towards an individual based on race, sex, religion, cultural issues, or language barriers is known as harassment. Sexual harassment is talked about the most but other types also happen Stress: Stress is the tension or anxiety or strain you feel when faced with events that you feel are out of your control A little stress can be good – too much never is. Drug and alcohol abuse: Alcohol is considered to be socially acceptable when used in moderation Other drugs are not. Working under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause fatal accidents on the job.

Common drug types: Amphetamines Methamphetamines Barbiturates Hallucinogens Hallucinogens distort your perception of reality.

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