Life and Professional Skill Development
An important part of the Pennsylvania Career & Technical Education (CTE) Solar Technician and Weatherization Technician training program success includes attention to developing and supporting life, personal, and professional skills. In an inner-city high school, tenth graders begin this program with differing needs and skill levels. Personal barriers, as well as academic deficits, must be addressed for this program to be successful. Time is built into the schedule for this component and is shown in the yearly time allotment at the end of each yearly syllabus. Times were carved out for in-class meetings that should take place 3-4 times per month. Individual student and parent coaching is scheduled individually. School Districts can make use of District or private organizations to provide this support.
For the Philadelphia Energy Authority and the School District of Philadelphia demonstration, Tina Pelzer and the Faces And Voices Of Reason (FAVOR) team provide curriculum and teaching to develop these skills. FAVOR assists and supports trainees (personally and professionally) with tools to promote engagement, self-efficacy, focus and communication skills, and help navigate challenges that may arise throughout the course. FAVOR coordinates with the classroom teacher, students and students’ families using a case management approach to assist with ongoing support and strategies for trainees to be successful. Highlights of these supports:
- Use of a variety of professional and personal skills including professional etiquette, time management, emotional intelligence, and stress management.
- Development of personal and professional skills including confidence building strategies, trauma informed practices, goal setting, problem solving strategies, effective communication, and team building.
- Planning career path goals and strategies; the ability to describe the top ten skills employers want, job application skill, resume and cover letter preparation, and effective job interview skills.