Classroom Component Resource Binder

For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

Unit: Job Readiness

Section #2: Employability Skills

Time: 1 double period
Expectations:
Students will be expected to:
J5 demonstrate an understanding of self-assessment skills
Assessment and Evaluation Strategies:
 Self-Assessment of Employability Skills (formative; checklist)
Employability Skills Section – Table of Contents
1. Job Readiness Skills
2. Build your Learning Skills in School
3. Personal highlights and qualities - checklist
4. Employability Skills 2000+, (same as B3 & B4 as in Pre-placement Student Manual)
5. Reflection of My Employability Skills 2000+
6. Employability Skills Assessment (activity – revised from B14 – 17 in Pre-placement Student Manual)
7. Transferable Skills (activity)
8. Evaluation
Note: similar Employability 2000+ activity available in B5 – B7 and B9 of Pre-placement Student Manual

Additional Resources:
1. Tips for Success (B10 Pre-placement Student Manual)
Planning Notes:
1. Some activities may be completed for homework.
Teaching/Learning Strategies:
 Introduce employability skills through use of overheads.
 Handout Employability Skills Checklist
 Distribute copies of Employability Skills Profile 2000+. Using this chart, review its structure and
organization of employability skills. Discuss the background and rationale for this resource, authored by
The Conference Board of Canada.
 Hand out copies of Employability Skills Profile in Classroom Language and ask students to complete it.
 Distribute the Employability Skills Quiz activity sheets and the score sheet Identifying Your Skills - What
Do I Do Now? Ask students to work individually to complete and score the questionnaires on Personal
Management Skills, Teamwork Skills and Fundamental Skills/Academic Skills.
 After students have completed the questionnaires and recorded their scores, they review their
employability skills profile in order to help them complete the activity sheet Assessing Your Skills, or
Employability Skills Profile, or Reflection of My Employability Skills, or Employability Skills: Gaps and
Goals.
 Lead a discussion on how students may describe these skills effectively on a résumé.
Accommodations:
 Students work in pairs to help each other.

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 JR.1.1

 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

Job Readiness Skills

Class Discussion/Activity:
Before sharing this list with your class, organize students into groups of 3 or 4. Then, ask them to come
up with the top 10 skills or characteristics they believe employers are looking for. Record their lists on
chart paper which will be posted at the front of the room and shared. Once everyone has had a chance
to present, compare their lists to the list below.

1. Good Communication Skills

2. Positive Attitude
3. Flexibility and Adaptability
4. High Standards of Performance
5. Good Work Ethic
6. Acceptance of Responsibility
7. Productivity
8. Honesty and Reliability
9. Willingness to Keep Learning
10. Ability to Analyse and Evaluate

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 JR.1.2

 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

A - Build Your Learning Skills in School

Examples of ways that help you build skills in school and can be used while at work:
Needs
Learning Skill Good Excellent
Improvement
Communication:
 giving presentations
 reading articles and books
 writing essays, short stories and reports
Teamwork:
 getting along with your classmates or co-workers
 working with others on projects
Time Management:
 doing assigned tasks (e.g. homework)
 attending regularly (e.g. your classes)
 arriving on time (e.g. class)
 meeting project deadlines
 using a planner to schedule your day
Problem-Solving:
 analyzing information
 understanding the problem
 defining the problem
 solving the problem
 applying the results
Organizational:
 taking notes
 following written and oral instructions
 keeping binders of information
 following a schedule
 setting priorities and goals
Learning:
 asking questions in new situations
 using the library to do research or sign out books

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 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

 researching information on the internet

 reading newspapers, magazines and manuals
 reading novels or e-readers
Computer:
 building keyboarding speed and accuracy
 using word processing programs for an assignment (e.g. essay)
 using presentation software (e.g. Powerpoint)
 using a computer to design a poster, newsletter or booklet
Listening:
 attending classes
 going to lectures
 taking notes
 visualizing what you hear
 comprehending information
Creativity:
 learning how others have been creative
 using your imagination
 trying new ways to do things
 looking at issues from a different point of view
Leadership:
 leading projects
 joining activities, teams or clubs
 helping classmates or volunteering as a peer helper

And Remember, Every Time You . . .

 work on a class project you are learning to communicate with others, work with a team, be a
leader, use your creativity and help solve problems.
 make a class presentation you are learning to organize your ideas and information, speak
effectively and persuade others.
 work on an essay you are learning about a new subject, doing research, managing your time,
setting priorities, being creative and expressing your own point of view.
 participate in a school activity you are learning to be a team member and achieve objectives
 volunteer at a dance or fund-raiser you are learning how to work with others, organize a
project/event and get things done on time.

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 JR.1.4

 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

B - Personal Highlights and Qualities

Below is a list of qualities that prospective employers may be looking for. Place a check mark in the
column that best describes you. Be honest in how you assess yourself.

Needs
Highlights and Qualities Good Excellent
Improvement
Resourceful and self-confident; get the job done, and do it well.
A born leader; inspire others to work at their highest level.
Highly creative and innovative, not afraid to take risks.
Good eye for detail; well organized, skilled in setting priorities.
Able to set and achieve goals and work well under pressure.
Very good communication skills; able to put people at ease.
Outstanding presentation skills, both written and spoken.
Positive professional attitude; committed to excellence.
Dependable and hard working; get along well with others.
Skilled in public speaking and written communication.
Proven record of excellence and dependability.
Exceptionally well organized and highly motivated.
Reputation for taking the initiative and seeing a task through to
completion.
Excellent written, verbal, and listening skills.
Enthusiastic, committed, resourceful, can be counted on to get
the job done.
Resourceful and self-confident.
Professional in front of large groups, able to introduce speakers.
Skill in public speaking and written communication.
Proven record of excellence and dependability.
Confident and decisive under stressful conditions.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Talent for getting diverse groups to work together well.
Excellent writing, communication and organizational skills.
Enthusiastic and quick learner.
Conscientious and creative; willing to assume responsibility.

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 JR.1.5

 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

Needs
Highlights and Qualities Good Excellent
Improvement

Self motivated and creative.

Able to work independently and as a team member.
Acquired over …… hours at previous Co-op placement.
Mechanically inclined: (e.g. Grade 11 Automotive Technology
Award)
Competent in the use of MS Office software.
Fluent in written and spoken English and …
Enrolled in SHSM (Specialist High School Major) …

From the list, select your top 5 qualities and place them in the chart below.

Qualities

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

From the list are there any qualities that you feel need to be improved in order to help you obtain your
co-op placement? List 3 of these qualities below and 1 action for each indicating what you can do to
improve that quality.

Quality Action

1.

2.

3.

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 JR.1.6


C - Employability Skills 2000+
The skills you need to get, keep, and progress in the world of work – whether you work on your own or
in a team. These skills can also be applied and used beyond the workplace in a range of daily activities.
Fundamental Skills
The skills needed as a basis for
further development
You will be ready for growth when
you can:
Communicate
 Read and understand
information presented in a
variety of forms (e.g., words,
graphs, diagrams)
 Write and speak so others pay
attention and understand
 Listen and ask questions to
understand and appreciate
others’ points of view
 Share information using a range
of information and
communications technologies
(e.g., voice, e-mail, computers)
 Use relevant scientific,
technological, and mathematical
knowledge and skills to explain
or clarify ideas
Manage Information
 Locate, gather, and organize
information using appropriate
technology and information
systems
 Access, analyze, and apply
knowledge and skills from
various disciplines (e.g., the arts,
languages, science, technology,
mathematics, social sciences,
and the humanities)
Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012
Personal Management Skills
The personal skills and
attitudes, and behaviours that
drive one’s potential for
growth
You will be able to offer yourself
greater possibilities for achievement
when you can:
Be Positive
 Feel good about yourself and be
confident
 Deal with people, problems, and
situations with honesty and
integrity
 Recognize good effort
 Take care of your personal
health
 Show interest, initiative, and
effort
 Be socially responsible and
contribute to your community
Be Responsible
 Set goals and priorities,
balancing work and personal life
 Plan and manage time, money,
and other resources to achieve
goals
 Assess, weigh, and manage risk
 Be accountable for your actions
and the actions of your group
Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement
Teamwork Skills
The skills and attributes
needed to contribute
productively
You will be better prepared to add
value to the outcomes of a task,
project, or team when you can:
Work with Others
 Understand and work within the
dynamics of a group
 Ensure that a team’s purpose
and objectives are clear
 Be flexible: respect, be open to
and supportive of the thoughts,
opinions, and contributions of
others in the group
 Recognize and respect people’s
diversity, individual differences,
and perspectives
 Accept and provide feedback in
a constructive and considerate
manner
 Contribute to a team by sharing
information and expertise
 Lead or support when
appropriate, motivating a group
for high performance
 Understand the role of conflict
in a group to reach solutions
 Manage and resolve conflict
when appropriate
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Fundamental Skills
The skills needed as a basis for
further development
You will be ready for growth when
you can:
Use Numbers
 Decide what needs to be
measured or calculated
 Observe and record data using
appropriate methods, tools, and
technology
 Make estimates and verify
calculations
Think and Solve Problems
 Assess situations and identify
problems
 Seek different points of view
and evaluate them based on
facts
 Recognize the human,
interpersonal, technical,
scientific, and mathematical
dimensions of a problem
 Identify the root cause of a
problem
 Be creative and innovative in
exploring possible solutions
 Readily use science,
technology, and mathematics
as ways to think, gain, and
share knowledge, solve
problems, and make decisions
 Evaluate solutions to make
recommendations or decisions
 Implement solutions. Check to
see if a solution works, and act
on opportunities for
improvement
Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012
Personal Management Skills
The personal skills and
attitudes, and behaviours that
drive one’s potential for
growth
You will be able to offer yourself
greater possibilities for achievement
when you can:
Be Adaptable
 Be able to work independently
or as part of a team
 Carry out multiple tasks or
projects
 Be innovative and resourceful:
identify and suggest alternative
ways to achieve goals and get
the job done
 Be open and respond
constructively to change
 Learn from your mistakes and
accept feedback
 Cope with uncertainty
Learn Continuously
 Be willing to continuously learn
and grow
 Assess personal strengths and
areas for development
 Set your own learning goals
 Identify and access learning
sources and opportunities
 Plan for and achieve your
learning goals
Work Safely
 Be aware of personal and
group health and safety
practices and procedures, and
act in accordance with these
Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement
Teamwork Skills
The skills and attributes
needed to contribute
productively
You will be better prepared to add
value to the outcomes of a task,
project, or team when you can:
Participate in Projects and
Tasks
 Plan, design, or carry out a
project or task from start to
finish with well-defined
objectives and outcomes
 Develop a plan, seek feedback,
test, revise, and implement
 Work to agreed quality
standards and specifications
 Select and use appropriate
technology for a task or project
 Adapt to changing
requirements and information
 Continuously monitor the
success of a project or task and
identify ways to improve
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 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

Reflection of My Employability Skills 2000+

INSTRUCTIONS: Using the Employability Skills 2000+ chart, fill in the chart below:

Fundamental Skills Personal Management Teamwork Skills

The skills needed for further
development and to
prepare you to progress in
the world of work
Skills
The personal skills, attitudes
and behaviours that drive
your potential for growth
and achievement
The skills and attributes
needed to contribute to the
outcomes of team, task or
project

4 Skills
you are
good at:

2 Skills to
improve:

Reflection: (to be completed at the end of the semester after your placement has been completed)
What could you do to improve your skills during your time at the Cooperative Education placement?

What skills can you add to your resume, through your learning at the Cooperative Education
placement?

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 JR.1.9

 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

Employability Skills Assessment

For each of the following 3 parts (Fundamental, Personal Management and Teamwork), highlight the
response that best represents you. Then, identify your skills by scoring your results on the provided
Scoring Sheet.

PART 1 – FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS

1. Can you understand and speak English and/or another a. English only
language? b. English with some fluency in a
2nd language
c. English and fluent (including
reading/writing) in a 2nd language
2. I am told that I am a good listener a. Sometimes
b. Never
c. often
3. Do you enjoy reading? a. I read only when I have to
b. I love reading
c. I don’t like to read
4. Can you read, understand and use written material? (e.g. a. Yes
reading a map, following a recipe or a set of instructions b. No
to assemble a toy or piece of furniture)? c. It depends
5. Do you write well in English and/or French? (e.g. letters a. It depends
to friends, memos, instructions or lists) b. Writing is a challenge
c. Yes, always
6. Do you like making decisions? a. Never
b. All the time
c. Sometimes
7. Do people come to you to help them solve problems at a. Never
school or at home? b. All the same
c. Sometimes
8. Can you solve problems that require basic math skills? a. No problem
b. Math scares me
c. I can with effort
9. Can you use technology like computers or fax machines? a. I’m trying to learn
b. Never used
c. I use them all the time
10. Do you have special knowledge or training that you have a. Certificates or training CPR,
completed? First Aid
b. Computer skills
c. No special training

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 JR.1.10

 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

PART 2 – Personal Management Skills

People who demonstrate: positive attitudes and behavior – responsibility and adaptability are
demonstrating Personal Management Skills
1. I take on projects with confidence and know that I can do a a. Always
good job. b. Sometimes
c. Never
2. I tell the truth at work no matter what the consequences a. Sometimes
are. b. Most of the time
c. Never
3. I volunteer for training and look for opportunities to learn a. Always
new things. b. Only if it interest me
c. I don’t like courses
4. I find it difficult to continue to continue with tasks, at home a. Most of the time
and at work, when problems arise. b. Sometimes
c. Never
5. I look for new challenges at work and in my spare time. a. Most of the time
b. Mainly at work
c. Mainly in my spare time
6. I like to set goals and objectives for myself. a. Never, it scares me
b. Always, it helps me to
measure my success
c. I only do it at work
7. People tell me I am well organized a. Most of the time
b. Sometimes
c. Never
8. I get upset when things change. a. Always
b. Sometimes
c. Never
9. I like it when people do things differently than I do. a. Usually, I learn from them
b. Never, they don’t do it
properly
c. It depends
10. Do you like to think up new and better ways to get your a. I don’t get paid for that
work done? b. Sometimes
c. Always, it keeps life
interesting and improves
my productivity

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 JR.1.11

 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

PART 3 – TEAMWORK SKILLS

The skills and abilities needed to contribute productively are Teamwork Skills.
1. I make an effort to understand and contribute to the goals a. Always
of the group. b. Sometimes
c. Never
2. Working in a group…. a. Makes me nervous
b. Helps me to get the job done
c. Takes too much time
3. When you work with a group, do you find it hard when you a. Always
can’t do things your own way? b. Sometimes
c. Never
4. Can you plan and make decisions with others? a. Most of the time
b. Sometimes
c. Not usually
5. Do you respect the thoughts and opinions of others? a. It depends
b. Always
c. Usually
6. Do you mind if other people offer their ideas on how to a. No, I like it
solve a problem or take on a task? b. It depends
c. I would rather figure it out myself
7. Are you comfortable asking others for help and advice? a. Most of the time
b. If I know them
c. Never
8. Would you like to take charge of a group of people, if they a. I’d rather not, but will
are working on something you know a lot about? b. I couldn’t
c. Absolutely
9. Do you think others see you as someone they can turn to for a. I don’t know
help or advice? b. Yes
c. No
10. If I have a problem at school or at work place I seek help a. Always
from others. b. Never
c. Sometimes

Look for opportunities at  Set goals to further develop specific skills

school, home or during  Join a club or team, volunteer or find a part-time job
your Cooperative Education  Acquire training (e.g. Specialist High Skills Major, CPR, First Aid)
placement. You can include  Computer Skills and technology
these skills on your resume.  Languages

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 JR.1.12

 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

IDENTIFY YOUR SKILLS – WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Use your responses from the 3 charts above to score your results.
My Employability Skills Profile - What’s Your Score?
Fundamental Skills Personal Management Skills Teamwork Skills
1. a-3 b-3 c-5 a-5 b-3 c-0 a-5 b-3 c-0
2. a-0 b-5 c-3 a-3 b-5 c-0 a-0 b-3 c-5
3. a-3 b-5 c-0 a-5 b-3 c-0 a-0 b-3 c-5
4. a-5 b-0 c-3 a-0 b-3 c-5 a-5 b-3 c-0
5. a-5 b-3 c-0 a-5 b-3 c-2 a-0 b-3 c-3
6. a-0 b-5 c-3 a-0 b-5 c-3 a-5 b-3 c-0
7. a-0 b-5 c-3 a-5 b-3 c-0 a-5 b-3 c-0
8. a-5 b-0 c-3 a-0 b-3 c-5 a-3 b-0 c-5
9. a-3 b-0 c-5 a-5 b-0 c-3 a-3 b-0 c-5
10. a-5 b-3 c-0 a-0 b-3 c-5 a-5 b-0 c-3
Total: Total: Total:
What’s Your Score?
If you have scored 30 or more: If you have scored 40 or more: If you have scored 40 or more:
You have skills and talents that You have good personal You are a good team player! You
are valuable transferable skills. management skills that should be understand and appreciate the
The needs of the work place are highlighted on your résumé. differences of others. Those who
constantly changing; continue to Positive attitude and a willingness feel comfortable working both
upgrade your skills. Set goals for to learn will help you be alone and in a group will be a
yourself based on lifelong successful. valuable asset to the work
learning. Employers are looking environment.
for people who are adaptable. If you have between 25 and 40:
You’re half way there! Look for If you have between 25 and 40:
If you have scored less than 30: opportunities to practice. You’re a team player some of the
Your fundamental skills may need time.
a tune-up! Find out what skills are If you have scored less than 25:
in demand and apply for a course Get organized! Set personal goals; If you have scored less than 25:
to get them. Employers need decide where you want to be in 5 You have to learn how to work
people who have specific skills years. If you know you can do the well with others; “two heads are
(e.g. computers or more than one job, others will too. Employers better than one”. Listen to what
language.) are looking for people who have a other people have to say. Offer to
positive outlook. help others.
Learn by doing. A lot of employers like to hire people with experience. Cooperative Education is one way to
have experience for your resume. There are hundreds of volunteer organizations that could use your help.
Offer your services and get the experience you need to revise your resume and build a solid base of
fundamental skills.
Be open to new challenges! The work place is always changing and you have to keep pace with it. You can
expect any job you do to involve many changes over time and you will probably have several jobs over the
course of your lifetime. Think of challenges as opportunities - the more flexible you are, the better your
chances for success in a changing work place.

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 JR.1.13

 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

D - TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Now that you have a better idea of what your overall skills are, how can you use these to help secure
the co-op position that you are applying for?

Transferable skills are skills that you have acquired through everyday living. You have acquired these
skills in school, at home or in extra- curricular activities. They can be transferred to the type of
employment you are seeking. They may be classified as Fundamental, Personal Management or
Teamwork.

Use the following chart to rank each transferable skill according to your own ability.
Personal Ability
Skill Description Needs Improvement - Excellent
1= Lowest to 5 = Highest
Communication  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
 Communicate with a wide range of people
 Bilingual in …
 Ability to interpret instructions and requests
 Comprehend/understand written material (e.g. MSDS
sheets, case notes, and diagrams)
Customer Service  Ability to work in a fast paced environment
 Enjoy working and interacting with customers/children
 Professional attitude towards customers satisfaction
 Ability to deal with public in high pressure situations
Values  Willing to assume responsibility
 Motivated to work cooperatively in a team environment
 Respect people and their differences
 Honest and trustworthy
Problem Solving  Creative and resourceful in generating new ideas and
solving problems
 Ability to recognize client’s needs and meet them
 Anticipate problems and solutions before they arise
 Ability to effectively contribute to the resolutions of
problems
Organizational  Organized and able to prioritize tasks
 Strong organizational skills
 Planning and sequence a number of overlapping activities
 Ability to handle a wide variety of tasks

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 JR.1.14

 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

Personal Ability
Skill Description Needs Improvement - Excellent
1= Lowest to 5 = Highest
Money  Familiar with operating a cash register
Management
 Proficient with handling cash
 Excellent personal budgeting skills
 Previous fundraising experience
 Proficient with Accounting Policies and Computer
programs
Teamwork  Work cooperatively with a wide range of people
 Work equally well as a team member or independently
 Respect the thoughts and opinions of others
 Contribute to common goals
 Know how to accept instructions and learn from others

Skills to Consider Including on Your Resume

Consider the job you are planning to apply for and create a list of skills that you would have to offer for
the position. Consider the skills you identified when completing the Personal Highlights and Qualities
Checklist as well as your Transferable Skills from your Employability Skills section.

Co-op Placement:
Skills You have to Offer:

“Personal Highlights”

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 Classroom Component Resource Binder
For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

Evaluation

 Group: Share Job Readiness Skills with class

 Save Employability Skills 2000+ for your Co-op Portfolio (or to be marked by
your teacher using rubric below)
 Email Employability Skills Profile Score to your teacher
 Save “Personal Highlights” for Resume

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS 2000+ Rubric

Name: Date Rec’d:

Criteria LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 LEVEL 4

Thinking/Inquiry
 Selected Selection of Selection of Selection of Selection of
appropriate information for information for information for information for
information to be each section shows each section shows each section shows each section shows
included in each limited some considerable a degree of
of the sections. thoughtfulness and thoughtfulness and thoughtfulness and thoughtfulness and
insight. insight. insight. insight.
 Provided an
example for each
employability skill.
Communication
 Ideas are Ideas are listed in Ideas are presented Ideas are presented Ideas are presented
presented in point form and are in sentences and in sentences and in sentences and
complete unclear. are somewhat are clear. are very clear.
sentences. clear.

 Ideas are listed Ideas are not Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are very well
under appropriate presented in an somewhat organized. organized.
headings in chart organized way. organized.
form, or organized
under headings.

 Grammar/spelling Many grammar and Some grammar and Few grammar and No grammar or
spelling errors. spelling errors. spelling errors. spelling errors.

Level of Achievement: T/I: C

Comments:

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 JR.1.16