Career development professionals in Canada, are always on the lookout for high-quality resources to help your clients succeed in the job market. When you find something that you can use, right off the shelf, that’s even better. The Employability Skills Curriculum is no exception! This 263-page resource is a must-have for anyone teaching or evaluating employability skills.
Employability is a hot topic, and there are a lot of resources out there, but how do you know that they will work for you and your clients? For starters, this one was created by Canadian career development professionals, for Canadian career development professionals; The Employability Skills Curriculum is based on the Employability Skills 2000+ Profile developed by The Conference Board of Canada. This gives it solid credibility and relevance to our Canadian context. It’s not just another generic employability resource – it’s tailored to our job market and employer expectations.
What sets this curriculum apart is its comprehensive approach to employability skills. We all know that technical skills alone don’t cut it in today’s job market. Employers are increasingly looking for those crucial soft skills that make the difference between a good employee and a great one. This curriculum zeros in on these essential personal management skills, covering everything from positive attitudes and behaviours to responsibility, adaptability, and teamwork.
The Employability Skills Curriculum is divided into 17 modules, each focusing on a critical aspect of employability. You can use the modules together for a complete employability program, or chose the ones that you need the most for your clients.
- Self-awareness and self-esteem: These modules help clients understand themselves better and build confidence – crucial first steps in any job search.
- Communication: We all know how important this is in any workplace.
- Goal setting and problem-solving: These skills are essential for career progression and handling workplace challenges.
- Anger management and conflict resolution: These modules address the interpersonal skills that can make or break a person’s success in a team environment.
- Learning styles and next step planning: These help clients understand how they learn best and plan their career development.
- Practical life skills: Modules on stress management, time management, and money management provide a holistic approach to employability.
- Labour standards and human rights: This gives clients a solid understanding of their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.
What I particularly appreciate about this resource is its practical approach. It’s not just theory; it includes lesson plans and exercises that we can use directly with our clients. This hands-on aspect makes it incredibly valuable for workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, or even as homework for clients to work on between meetings.
Another great feature is its versatility. Whether you’re working with young adults just entering the job market, adults changing careers, or clients looking to advance in their current field, this curriculum has relevant content.
As career development professionals, we’re always trying to bridge the gap between what employers want and what our clients can offer. This curriculum helps us do just that. It provides a structured way to develop those essential soft skills that can make all the difference in everything from the job interview to maintaining long-term, successful employment.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend giving it a look. It might just become one of your go-to resources for helping your clients achieve their career goals.