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Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for OST 101 Spring 2024

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Course Number:
OST 101
Course Title:
Occupational Skills Training 101
Credit Hours:
1-16
Lecture Hours:
0
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Provides the opportunity to receive instruction in a specific occupational area not normally addressed by ongoing PCC programs. Develops an individualized course in consultation with the PCC student, PCC faculty, PCC OST coordinators, work-site supervisors, and agency representative(s), if appropriate. Requires an assessment interview with an OST coordinator to determine the specific occupation and to approve a suitable training site. Prerequisites are determined by the specific occupational standards.

Addendum to Course Description

An interview with an Occupational Skills representative is required to determine an individual’s career goal and to determine if a suitable training site is available. Some training programs require basic skills of reading, interpreting and understanding technical manuals as well as basic math and writing skills. Occupational Skills Training is an approved program for state worker’s compensation clients, disabled veterans, and state vocational rehabilitation clients. Students may repeat this course. A less than one-year, one-year and two-year certificate are awarded depending upon credit hours completed.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Use industry specific vocabulary and tools effectively.
  • Use professional behaviors appropriate to the work place such as punctuality, attendance, cooperation, teamwork, and respect.
  • Understand and apply the safety standards of the work site and the industry.
  • Use written and oral communication appropriate for the occupation or industry.
  • Use workplace math skills appropriate for the occupation or industry.
  • Be prepared to enter the occupation of choice with entry-level skills.
  • Meet learning outcomes specific to this course as mutually agreed upon by the student and instructor in advance through a written learning contract, and as appropriate to the credit awarded for this course.

Course Activities and Design

Students train at off-campus sites under the supervision of a skilled trainer up to 40 hours per week. Training is comprised of demonstration and hands-on experience. Related classroom instruction may be included if prescribed in the approved training plan. This is an open entry/open exit program with no breaks for traditional school vacations. Length of program depends on the skill being taught.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

This course is offered on a Pass/No Pass basis. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a passing score based on attendance, attitude and progress in training as rated by PCC faculty with feedback from the on-site instructor. A Timesheet & Trainer’s Report is completed regularly by the on-site instructor and submitted to the Occupational Skills office along with any pertinent comments of the instructor. Student Activity reports are completed by the student and submitted to the Occupational Skills office. Periodic visits by an Occupational Skills representative are made with a written progress report generated.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

 MAJOR CONCEPTS:

Themes, concepts, issues, competencies and skills will vary with each student’s customized training. While training in their individualized program, the student will acquire the skills and competencies needed to qualify for entry-level employment in the occupation selected. Through the course of their training, students will become familiar with the safety, communication, computation and human relations concepts unique to their industry/occupation.

SKILLS:

Job Learning/Skill Improvement:

  • Workplace math skills
  • Problem solving/critical thinking
  • Written communication
  • Computer literacy
  • Shows continual improvement and speed in completing training
  • Can work independently
  • Learns with ease, understands work/responsibilities

Quality Of Work:

  • Uses care with equipment and materials
  • Completes job in minimal time
  • Follows and understands directions
  • Is accurate and careful I work, will ask questions when needed
  • Can adapt to work conditions, is flexible

Attitudes Toward Training:

  • Works safely
  • Uses time effectively
  • Keeps busy, looks for work to do
  • Looks for ways to improve – is alert to new methods

Relations With Others:

  • Cooperates with Supervisors, is respectful
  • Works well with others
  • Accepts suggestions
  • Is courteous and helpful with public/customers
  • Respect for diverse populations

Attendance:

  • Is on time to training, remains until required hours are completed
  • Alerts supervisor if absent or late for training
  • Plans ahead to re-arrange training

Appearance:

  • Dress appropriate for job setting
  • Exhibits cleanliness, good hygiene
  • Identifies areas of strength and need in training performance

Related Instruction

Computation
Hours: 10

Use workplace math skills appropriate for the occupation or industry.

Required math skills will vary based on the individual student workplace. Following are examples of some activities students may do in this course at the worksite. Specific course content varies depending upon the profession and placement. The number of hours of student learning are based upon a one-credit course.  If the student takes the course for more than one-credit their learning and practice time will increase as appropriate for the credit awarded for this course.

  • Measurements and calculations in a waste water treatment facility.
  • Measurement and construction as a clock maker's apprentice.
  • Counting money and balancing a cash drawer as a retail cashier worker.
  • Accounting for billable hours and billing as an assistant in a counseling center.
  • Learn and apply precision measurement concepts.
  • Perform arithmetic computations used in appraisal industry (equity, taxes, etc.) with speed and accuracy.
  • Accurately calculate, tabulate, audit, or verify program information or data.

Communication
Hours: 10

  • Use industry specific vocabulary and tools effectively.
  • Use written and oral communication appropriate for the occupation or industry.

Communication skills will vary based on the individual student workplace. Following are examples of some activities students may do in this course at the worksite. Specific course content varies depending upon the profession and placement. The number of hours of student learning are based upon a one-credit course.  If the student takes the course for more than one-credit their learning and practice time will increase as appropiate for the credit awarded for this course.

  • Meet with veterans to determine needs and provide VA services in a VA Service center.
  • Lead group sessions in an addiction treatment center.
  • Respond to customer complaints in a customer service area within a retail setting.
  • Write inspection reports in a waste water treatment facility.
  • Investigate and respond to customers regarding code violations, inquiries and complaints in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
  • Confer with legal, fire, and public works staff regarding building, fire, life safety, zoning, and other code interpretations and applications.
  • Prepare and maintain variety of correspondence, reports, correction notices, and other written materials.
  • Communicate technical legal information to clients, attorneys, government officials, and other external sources in person, in writing, by telephone or email.
  • Discuss the use of and features of various parts and articulate benefits of each to customers.

Human Relations
Hours: 10

  • Use professional behaviors appropriate to the work place such as punctuality, attendance, cooperation, teamwork, and respect.
  • Understand and apply the safety standards of the work site and the industry.
  • Be prepared to enter the occupation of choice with entry-level skills.

Human relations skills will vary based on the individual student workplace. Following are examples of some activities students may do in this course at the worksite. Specific course content varies depending upon the profession and placement. The number of hours of student learning are based upon a one-credit course.  If the student takes the course for more than one-credit their learning and practice time will increase as appropiate for the credit awarded for this course.

  • Provide accurate and courteous customer service as a cashier in a banking setting.
  • Follow OSHA safety regulations as a lab technician in a laboratory setting.
  • Assist supervisors with the hiring process in a human resources office.
  • As a paraprofessional provide classroom assistance to a student with developmental disabilities.
  • Establish and maintain interpersonal relationships and develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others. 
  • Develop an use skills in working with others to achieve a common goal.
  • Greet, assist and/or direct students, visitors and the general public.
  • Interact positively with staff and the public in order to enhance effectiveness and to promote quality service.
  • Provide guidance and referral options to ensure veterans have access and assistance in securing cost-effective support or direct aid, in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
  • Assist a teacher in developing and implementing activities to support students in daily living and behavioral skills.