Employability Skills for Cooperative Education

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 rsum.
Accommodations:
Students work in pairs to help each other.
Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012
JR.1.1

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
JR.1.2

A - Build Your Learning Skills in School

Examples of ways that help you build skills in school and can be used
while at work:
Learning Skill
Needs
Improvem
ent
Good
Excelle
nt
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
JR.1.3

following a schedule
setting priorities and goals
Learning:
asking questions in new situations
using the library to do research or sign out books
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
JR.1.4

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.
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.
Highlights and Qualities
Needs
Improvem
ent
Good
Excelle
nt
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.
JR.1.5

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.
Highlights and Qualities
Needs
Improvem
ent
Good
Excelle
nt
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.
JR.1.6

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.
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
Personal Management
Skills
The personal skills and
attitudes, and
behaviours that drive
ones potential for
growth
Teamwork Skills
The skills and
attributes needed to
contribute
productively
JR.1.7

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)
Fundamental Skills
The skills needed as a
basis for further
development
You will be able to offer

yourself greater possibilities
for achievement when you
can:
You will be better prepared to

add value to the outcomes of
a task, project, or team when
you can:
Be Positive
Work with Others
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
Personal Management
Skills
The personal skills and
attitudes, and
ones potential for
growth
Understand and work

within the dynamics of a
group
Ensure that a teams
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
peoples 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
Teamwork Skills
The skills and
contribute
productively
JR.1.8

You will be ready for growth

when you can:
You will be able to offer

yourself greater possibilities
for achievement when you
can:
You will be better prepared to

add value to the outcomes of
a task, project, or team when
you can:
Use Numbers
Be Adaptable
Participate in Projects
and Tasks
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
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
Plan, design, or carry out

a project or task from
start to finish with welldefined 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
Work Safely
Be aware of personal
and group health and
safety practices and
procedures, and act in
accordance with these
JR.1.9

Reflection of My Employability Skills 2000+

INSTRUCTIONS: Using the Employability Skills 2000+ chart, fill in the chart
below:
Fundamental Skills
The skills needed for
further development
and to prepare you to
progress in the world
of work
Personal
Management Skills
The personal skills,
attitudes and
your potential for
growth and
achievement
Teamwork Skills
The skills and
contribute to the
outcomes of team,
task or project
4
Skills
you
are
good
at:
2
Skills
to
improv
e:
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?
JR.1.10

What skills can you add to your resume, through your learning at the Cooperative
Education 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 language?
a. English only
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
3. Do you enjoy reading?
4. Can you read, understand and use written

material? (e.g. reading a map, following a
recipe or a set of instructions to assemble a
toy or piece of furniture)?
5. Do you write well in English and/or French?
(e.g. letters to friends, memos, instructions or
lists)
6. Do you like making decisions?
7. Do people come to you to help them solve

problems at school or at home?
8. Can you solve problems that require basic
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
Sometimes
Never
often
I read only when I have
to
I love reading
I dont like to read
Yes
No
It depends
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
a.
It depends
Writing is a challenge
Yes, always
Never
All the time
Sometimes
Never
All the same
Sometimes
No problem
JR.1.11

math skills?
9. Can you use technology like computers or fax
machines?
10. Do you have special knowledge or training
that you have completed?
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
a.
Math scares me
I can with effort
Im trying to learn
Never used
I use them all the time
Certificates or training
CPR, First Aid
b. Computer skills
c. No special training
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
a. Always
I can do a good job.
b. Sometimes
c. Never
2. I tell the truth at work no matter what the
a. Sometimes
consequences are.
b. Most of the time
c. Never
3. I volunteer for training and look for opportunities
a. Always
to learn new things.
b. Only if it interest me
c. I dont like courses
4. I find it difficult to continue to continue with
a. Most of the time
tasks, at home and at work, when problems
b. Sometimes
arise.
c. Never
5. I look for new challenges at work and in my
a. Most of the time
spare 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
JR.1.12

9. I like it when people do things differently than I

do.
a. Usually, I learn from

them
b. Never, they dont do
it properly
c. It depends
a. I dont get paid for
that
b. Sometimes
c. Always, it keeps life
interesting and
improves my
productivity
10. Do you like to think up new and better ways

to get your work done?
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
a. Always
the goals 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
a. Always
when you cant 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
a. It depends
others?
b. Always
c. Usually
6. Do you mind if other people offer their ideas on
a. No, I like it
how to 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?
8. Would you like to take charge of a group of
people, if they are working on something you
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
Most of the time

If I know them
Never
Id rather not, but will
I couldnt
JR.1.13

know a lot about?

9. Do you think others see you as someone they
can turn to for help or advice?
10. If I have a problem at school or at work place
I seek help from others.
Look for opportunities

at school, home or
during your
Cooperative Education
placement. You can
include these skills on
your resume.
c.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
Absolutely
I dont know
Yes
No
Always
Never
Sometimes
Set goals to further develop specific skills

Join a club or team, volunteer or find a part-time job
Acquire training (e.g. Specialist High Skills Major,
CPR, First Aid)
Computer Skills and technology
Languages
IDENTIFY YOUR SKILLS WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Use your responses from the 3 charts above to score your results.
My Employability Skills Profile - Whats Your Score?
Fundamental Skills
Personal Management
Teamwork Skills
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
a-0
b-3
c-5
a-5
b-0
c-3
c-0
Total:
Total:
Total:
Whats Your Score?
If you have scored 30 or
more:
You have skills and
talents that are valuable
transferable skills. The
needs of the work place are
constantly changing;
continue to upgrade your
skills. Set goals for yourself
based on lifelong learning.

more:
You have good personal
management skills that
should be highlighted
on your rsum. Positive
attitude and a willingness
to learn will help you be
successful.

more:
You are a good team
player! You understand
and appreciate the
differences of others. Those
who feel comfortable
working both alone and in a
group will be a valuable
asset to the work
JR.1.14

Employers are looking for

people who are adaptable.
If you have scored less
than 30:
Your fundamental skills
may need a tune-up! Find
out what skills are in
demand and apply for a
course to get them.
Employers need people
who have specific skills
(e.g. computers or more
than one language.)
If you have between 25

and 40:
Youre half way there!
Look for opportunities to
practice.
environment.
If you have between 25
and 40:
Youre a team player some
of the time.

than 25:
Get organized! Set
than 25:
personal goals; decide
You have to learn how to
where you want to be in 5
work well with others; two
years. If you know you can
heads are better than one.
do the job, others will too.
Listen to what other people
Employers are looking for
have to say. Offer to help
people who have a positive others.
outlook.
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.
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.
Skill
Description
Personal
Ability
Needs Improvement Excellent
1= Lowest to 5 =
Highest
Communicatio
n
Excellent communication and interpersonal

skills
Communicate with a wide range of people
Bilingual in
Ability to interpret instructions and requests
Comprehend/understand written material
JR.1.15

Customer
Service
Values
Problem
Solving
Organizational
(e.g. MSDS sheets, case notes, and

diagrams)
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
Willing to assume responsibility
Motivated to work cooperatively in a team
environment
Respect people and their differences
Honest and trustworthy
Creative and resourceful in generating new
ideas and solving problems
Ability to recognize clients needs and meet
them
Anticipate problems and solutions before
they arise
Ability to effectively contribute to the
resolutions of problems
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
Skill
Description
Personal
Ability
Needs Improvement Excellent
1= Lowest to 5 =
Highest
Money
Management
Teamwork
Familiar with operating a cash register

Proficient with handling cash
Excellent personal budgeting skills
Previous fundraising experience
Proficient with Accounting Policies and
Computer programs
Work cooperatively with a wide range of
people
JR.1.16

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
JR.1.17

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
Recd:
Criteria
Thinking/Inqu
iry
Selected
appropriate
information to
be included in
each of the
sections.
Provided an
example for
each
employability
skill.
Communicati
on
Ideas are
presented in
complete
sentences.
Ideas are
listed under
appropriate
headings in
chart form, or
organized
under
headings.
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 4
Selection of
information for
each section
shows limited
thoughtfulness
and insight.
Selection of
information for
each section
shows some
thoughtfulness
and insight.
Selection of
information for
each section
shows
considerable
thoughtfulness
and insight.
Selection of
information for
each section
shows a degree
of
thoughtfulness
and insight.
Ideas are listed

in point form
and are unclear.
Ideas are
presented in
sentences and
are somewhat
clear.
Ideas are
presented in
sentences and
are clear.
Ideas are
presented in
sentences and
are very clear.
Ideas are
somewhat
organized.
Ideas are
organized.
Ideas are very

well organized.
Some grammar
and spelling
errors.
Few grammar
and spelling
errors.
No grammar or
spelling errors.
Ideas are not

presented in an
organized way.
Many grammar
and spelling
errors.
Grammar/spell
ing
Level of Achievement:
T/I
C
JR.1.18

:
Comments:
JR.1.19

Employability Skills for Cooperative Education

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Classroom Component Resource Binder

For Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

Unit: Job Readiness

Section #2: Employability Skills

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012

Classroom Component Resource Binder

Job Readiness Skills

1. Good Communication Skills

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012

Classroom Component Resource Binder

A - Build Your Learning Skills in School

reading articles and books

writing essays, short stories and reports

getting along with your classmates or co-workers

working with others on projects

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

understanding the problem

defining the problem

solving the problem

applying the results

following written and oral instructions

keeping binders of information

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012

Classroom Component Resource Binder

setting priorities and goals

asking questions in new situations

using the library to do research or sign out books

researching information on the internet

reading newspapers, magazines and manuals

reading novels or e-readers

building keyboarding speed and accuracy

using word processing programs for an

using presentation software (e.g. Powerpoint)

using a computer to design a poster, newsletter or

visualizing what you hear

learning how others have been creative

using your imagination

trying new ways to do things

looking at issues from a different point of view

joining activities, teams or clubs

helping classmates or volunteering as a peer

And Remember, Every Time You . . .

Classroom Component Resource Binder

information, speak effectively and persuade others.

B - Personal Highlights and Qualities

Highlights and Qualities

Resourceful and self-confident; get the job done,

Classroom Component Resource Binder

Enthusiastic, committed, resourceful, can be

Self motivated and creative.

Competent in the use of MS Office software.

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012

Classroom Component Resource Binder

C - Employability Skills 2000+

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012

Classroom Component Resource Binder

You will be ready for growth

Read and understand

Locate, gather, and