The SkillsUSA Framework provides a common language for students to articulate skills gained from SkillsUSA.
It assists in assessing skill development and helps in creating a vision for SkillsUSA programs.
Essential for all potential employees to possess the skills listed within the SkillsUSA Framework.
Three Components of the SkillsUSA Framework
Personal Skills
Workplace Skills
Technical Skills Grounded in Academics
All skills in the Framework work in conjunction with each other.
Key Essential Elements and Concepts
Integrity
Exhibited when an employee reports wrongdoing after making a mistake at work, as stated in the SkillsUSA Framework.
Work Ethic
Described as performing high-quality, ethical work efficiently.
Key components are consistency and dependability.
Characteristics of a good work ethic include dedication and self-discipline, as well as being honest and trustworthy.
Professionalism
Demonstrated by attire, personal grooming, and speech.
Responsibility
Taking responsibility is reflected by specific statements in the Framework.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Demonstrated when an individual can “bounce back” from challenges.
Example: Seeking advice from a manager for improvement shows this skill.
Self-Motivation
Defined by the ability to take initiative.
Communication Skills
Includes giving accurate and concise reports, following oral directions, speaking distinctly, and giving clear instructions.
Planning, Organizing, and Management
Important for team efforts, such as preparing a group presentation or community service project.
Service Orientation
An essential element within the Workplace Skills component of the SkillsUSA Framework.
Technical Skills
Example: Using photo editing software as a specific job-related skill for photographers.
All employees require the ability to operate some form of technology.
Career Essentials Credential
An industry-validated credential through SkillsUSA that shows proficiency in the skills outlined in the SkillsUSA Framework.
Employability Development
The leading program within SkillsUSA’s educational offerings is the Career Essentials: Experiences.
Definitions and Concepts
Ethics
Conduct or attitudes toward work or philosophy dealing with right or proper conduct.
Customer Service
Provided when consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations.
Shadowing
Observing respected individuals while they execute their job tasks.
Resume
A document employed by many organizations to identify applicant qualifications.
Perseverance
Characterized by persistence in completing difficult tasks.
Portfolio
A collection representing educational background, self-development, and career data.
Compromise
A settlement where differing sides make concessions.
Time Management
The process involved in directing and controlling activities concerning time allocation.
Cultural Diversity
The blending and interaction of individuals from various cultures in a shared context.
Entrepreneur
An individual who organizes and operates a business venture, assuming all associated risks.
Communication
Involves a sender and receiver exchanging feedback.
Listening
Active and critical types exist; “loud” is least likely to be a feature of effective communication.
Organization Chart
Diagram depicting how a company or business is structured.
Self-confidence
The state of being certain of oneself and one's abilities.
Priority
An item or task requiring immediate attention.
Reliability
Being dependable without the need for constant supervision.
Brainstorming
An unrestrained discussion for generating ideas among group members to resolve issues.
Role Model
An individual of commendable character whom others aspire to emulate.
Professional Development
Enhancing oneself through education and training opportunities or learning from others.
Survey
Detailed evaluation utilizing specific questions directed at a target group.
Honest
Free from deceit and sincerity-defined conduct.
Job and Goal Details
Employment History on Applications: List jobs starting with the most recent.
External Customer
An individual, such as a car owner, receiving a service, such as auto repairs.
Importance of Volunteer Experience: Value in community contribution aids in LinkedIn profile enhancement.
Long-term Goal
Encompasses plans regarding retirement.
Goal Statement Components
What will happen?
When will it occur?
How will it come about?
Next Step to Achieve Goals
Establish a definitive plan to reach the target goal.
General Employability Skills
Each individual contributes their best in an effective teamwork environment.
Meeting Procedures
Agenda
The written list of items discussed during meetings, necessary for preparation.
Main Motion
For introducing an idea to be considered in formal meetings, state: “I move that…”.
Debate Procedure
The first speaker in a debate is the motion’s maker.
Respect in Committees
Committee members should express ideas and opinions respectfully.
Member Rights
Every member has the right to express their viewpoints in parliamentary procedures.
Presiding Officer
One person can lead at a time in a business meeting.
Minutes
Record of business conducted during a meeting.
Parliamentary Procedure Rule
Decision of minority members is NOT mandated.
Emblem, Colors, and Mission
SkillsUSA Emblem:
Contains multiple symbols representing the organization’s characteristics.
Orbital Circles
Symbolize technology.
Gear
Represents the industrial sector.
Hands
Represent individuals.
Colors
Official colors: red, white, blue, and gold.
Blue signifies the unity among states and chapters.
Non-official Colors
Silver is NOT an official color of SkillsUSA.
The sword is NOT included in the emblem.
SkillsUSA Mission
"SkillsUSA empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA improves the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through development of Framework skills that include personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics."
Founding, Creed, and Motto
CTSO
SkillsUSA is classified as a Career & Technical Student Organization.
Foundation
Founded in 1965; originally named Vocational Industrial Clubs of America with attendance from 14 states.
SkillsUSA Motto
"Preparing for Leadership in the World of Work."
SkillsUSA Creed
Contains six pivotal points.
SkillsUSA Pledge
“I believe in the dignity of work” as one of its elements.
Ardent Practice
Demonstrated by character individuals who strive despite setbacks.
Leadership Principles
Defined by SkillsUSA comprising four guiding pillars: Compassion, Stability, Trust, and Hope.
Programs and Officers
Total Participation Plan (TPP)
A program aiming for whole school membership within SkillsUSA.
Chapter Excellence Program
Allows chapters to document quality activities for state and national recognition.
Community Service Component
Focused on volunteer work within the SkillsUSA Program of Work.
Volunteer
Service offered without expectation of return.
Secretary Role
Responsible for recording meeting minutes and provides them for subsequent review; may also chair the Membership committee.
Vice-President Responsibilities
Typically responsible for providing end-of-year chapter reports.
Parliamentarian Role
Should earn others' trust to resolve issues.
Chapter Reporter
Likely to chair Public Relations committee.
National Officers
Up to 15 officers elected annually to serve SkillsUSA.
Official Attire
Appropriate Usage: Worn during meetings and at national or state conferences.
Inappropriate Component
A solid red tie or scarf is NOT part of official attire.
Worker Rights and Responsibilities
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
Established to ensure workers' right to a safe workplace; employer's duty is to provide safety.
OSHA’s Mission
To save lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of workers in the U.S.
General Duty Clause
Applies when no specific OSHA standards exist.
Worker Rights under OSH Act
Section 11 (c) guarantees rights to raise safety concerns and report work-related injuries without retaliation.
Retaliation Complaint Deadline
30 days to contact OSHA if retaliation occurs after asserting health and safety rights.
Employer Obligations
Responsible for providing and funding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Worker Rights
Rights include reviewing OSHA log books and medical records, as well as requesting hazard corrections from employers.
First Step for Reporting Hazards
Inform the supervisor or manager of observed safety issues.
Reporting and Inspections
FAT/CAT Report
Information about workplace fatalities and major incidents must be reported to OSHA within 8 hours of occurrence.
OSHA Inspection Procedure
Consists of three phases: an opening conference, a walkthrough, and a closing conference.
Worker Rights During Inspection
Workers can communicate privately with inspectors and may have a representative witness the inspection.
Inspection Outcome
Right to know inspection results and to challenge deadlines for correcting violations.
Resources for Workplace Safety
Include supervisors, co-workers, labels and warning signs, and the OSHA website as an external resource.
Safety (Intro to OSHA)
Energized State
A term denoting a voltage present which could lead to electrical current flows.
Good Conductor
Skin can act as a good conductor when moist or wet.
Current Flow Requirements
Three conditions for current to traverse a conductor are:
A source of electrical current,
A transport medium for the current,
A driving force to propel current through a conductor.
Electric Shock
Occurrence when current enters the body at one point and exits another.
Electrical Burns
Result from skin contact with hot surfaces of energized equipment.
Flammability
Oxygen tanks pose explosion risks when ignited due to flammability.
Lockout/Tagout
A safety procedure designed to protect workers by ensuring machinery is shut down and unable to be started when it is being worked on.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
Device that stops current by tripping the circuit if it detects unwanted current flow.
Grounding
The intentional creation of a low-resistance pathway to ground.
Unsafe Use of Equipment
A three-prong plug that has the third prong broken off is unsafe.
Safety (Electricity)
Electric Shock Severity Factors
Depends on the current amount, path taken, duration in the circuit, and frequency of the current.
Electric Shock Mechanism
Occurs when a current path is established through the body.
Electric Burns
Caused by contact with overheated electrical equipment.
Explosion Risk
Oxygen tanks are dangerous if gas ignites due to flammable properties.
Safety Procedures
Include Lockout/Tagout mechanisms to ensure safety during repairs.
Preventive Measures
A GFCI is crucial for preventing electrical hazards.