Content
Words for Work offers eight modules of content, each of varying length. Students who are on the healthcare or construction track will take all 8 modules. Students who are interested in general workplace readiness will take modules 1-5 and 8.
MODULE 1: Basic Computer Skills (in Spanish & English)
- Step-by-step overview of Words for Work program components
- identifying computer parts
- on/off instructions
- accessing and navigating the website
- practice on all activity types
MODULE 2: Understanding the American Workplace
- Comparing and contrasting U.S. and Hispanic culture and work ethics
- concepts of time and space
- demonstrating respect and appropriate behaviors in a diverse workplace
- responding appropriately to gender and ethnic bias
- danger of drugs and alcohol
- general workplace vocabulary
- importance of asking questions
MODULE 3: Job Search
- Identifying goals, skills, and prior experience
- using print and online resources
- completing online and paper job applications
- contacting employers
- job interview tips
- overcoming childcare, transportation, and other personal obstacles
- evaluating wage and benefits packages
- Resume Builder tool
MODULE 4: Effective Communication
- Importance of regular and appropriate communication to supervisors and colleagues
- appropriate behaviors regarding attendance and punctuality
- understanding workplace policies and sanctions
- practice greeting, thanking & other common communications
- reinforcing ability to ask questions and solve conflicts
- accepting criticism and direction
MODULE 5: Becoming a Successful Employee
- Identifying qualities of an effective team member
- contrasting positive and negative team interactions
- demonstrating proactive attitudes and behaviors
- stress management
- multi-tasking.
Students who register for the healthcare and construction tracks, will begin more intensive study of their fields in Modules 6 and 7. The Health Care track is shaped around the expectations of human resource planners at hospitals, health care centers, therapeutic care and nursing facilities. The Construction curriculum responds to the needs of builders, construction companies, contractors and lumber yards. Words for Work even offers virtual work environments so learners can explore typical job scenarios.
MODULE 6 (Health Care): The Worksite
- Features of five main types of healthcare settings
- definition of eight hospital departments
- professional level jobs & their duties
- entry level jobs & their duties
- dress code
- overview of safety procedures including use of safety equipment, reading safety signs, reading written job & safety instructions and responding to emergencies
MODULE 6 (Construction): The Worksite
- Parts of a construction site
- jobs at sites
- definitions of skilled and unskilled laborers
- common questions and answers
- following directions
- safety awareness including reading signs, communication about safety, safety rules at construction sites, and responding to emergencies
- worker's compensation
MODULE 7 (Health Care): Customer Service and Tools of the Trade
- Defining types of customers (patients, venders, visitors)
- importance of good customer service
- giving verbal directions
- communication in person and by phone & taking messages
- dealing with stress
- dignity and privacy
- working with the infirmed and elderly
MODULE 7 (Construction): Customer Service and Tools of the Trade
- Use of lumber in construction
- treated and untreated wood
- measuring lumber
- information on hand and power tools
- safety rules for tool use
- overview of concrete, bricks, tiles and mortar
- large power equipment
MODULE 8: Basic Math Skills
- Simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers and fractions
- matching equivalent measurements like teaspoons, cups, quarts and pounds
- division, fractions, and shapes
- making measurements
- converting fractions and decimals
- cashier transactions
- reading a paycheck.
TOOLBOX
Words for Work provides an additional online resource called the Toolbox. When students complete their exercises, they can get some additional practice with over 100 interactive activities focusing on grammar, pronunciation and mathematics. Exercises are randomized to encourage repetition. They are also modularized so that students do not encounter information before they are ready.
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