Entering the World of Work

Chapter 4: Your Training and Education

Smart Tips

Real-World Connection
Use the following questions to interview an adult worker. Add any questions you want to ask to the list.

1. How did you learn your job?
2. What did you do if you did not understand something the trainer told you?
3. After training, who did you ask if you did not know what to do?
4. What are three specific things you do to show responsibility on your job?
5. What are three specific things you do to show a good attitude on your job?
6. How do you know when your supervisor thinks you are doing a good job?

Point of View
You can find vo-tech high schools and colleges in the business pages of the phone book, on the Internet, and through your career or guidance counselor at school, or the library. In the business pages of the phone book, look under “schools or education,” then under “secondary schools or colleges,” and then under “vo-tech schools centers.” Call the number listed in the phone book. Ask for information on the school. The person who answers the phone will tell you what you need to do next.
         On the Internet, use the key words “vo-tech high schools” or “vo-tech colleges” and the name of your community and state. A list of sites will come up. Click on several different sites to learn about the school. Click on “contact us,” and ask for information on the courses that are offered in the occupations that interest you. Not all schools have Web sites.
         Ask the career or guidance counselor at your school, or the librarian at school or in your community, for information on the vo-tech high schools and colleges in your area. Read the information. Contact the school for more information on the courses that are offered in the occupations that interest you.

Making Good Choices
Think about what it means if you stretch the truth on your job application. Ask yourself if you think there is a difference between lying and telling the truth. If so, ask yourself what that difference is. Ask yourself where does one begin and the other stop? How do you know where to draw the line between lying and stretching the truth? Think about how you would feel if you do not have the skills and experience necessary to carry out the job.
         Think about how you could include the management experience you have and still tell the truth on your job application. Perhaps you could add a reference from the manager or owner of the restaurant that burned. The letter could say that you were chosen for the management program because of your skills. Perhaps you could agree to go through a management-trainee program. Perhaps you could agree to work as an assistant manager and work toward the manager's position.
         You need to tell the truth, even if the café owner is able to verify your experience with the restaurant. If you stretch the truth, you will always be worried that the café owner will learn the truth.