AAI Tech and Production Skills
All Aspects of the Industry Aspect Concerned with Necessary Skills
Technical and Production Skills is the All Aspects of the Industry aspect that provides educators guidelines to teach students the industry skills needed for success.
The Technical and Production Skills aspect of the All Aspects of the Industry guidelines is designed to prepare students entering industry-based careers for the basic academic, communication and computer skills required. The Technical and Production Skills aspect does not promote training for a specific career; instead it gives a framework for students to learn how an industry operates. This is not limited to traditional academics, but also includes skills such as time management and interpersonal skills. For most technical and career courses, this is the aspect that comes most naturally and typically is addressed in most of the course topics.
Potential Topics
Technical and Production Skills can be explained as those skills which are needed to get the job done. These skills could be academic, such as math, reading, writing, time management and problem solving. Some skills might involve specific technical skills, such as how to prepare a cake or techniques for operating machinery or specialized tools. This also includes what interpersonal skills are necessary within the industry. Some potential topics that might not be as obvious include:
- Certifications and specialized training available within the industry
- Interrelated occupations and which skills are transferable
- Industry specified production standards
- Quality control techniques for specific industries
- How time affects different parts of a project
- How to collaborate with co-workers or other students to complete a project
Implementing Skills
Problem solving techniques and academic skills are ideal areas for including the Technical and Production Skills aspect in the curriculum. These can be individualized or used as group projects. Students should be exposed to a variety of scenarios; consider using a case study or a specific scenario and having students create a final product to demonstrate understanding. Examples for activities include:
- Taking a certification exam or a sample version of an industry exam
- Specific classroom assignments and projects that emphasize the use of industry specific skills
- Analysis of skills through self, peer or instructor evaluations
- Breaking down a large project into smaller pieces, emphasizing the needed skills and time involved
- Creating a project timeline
- Use technical manuals to enhance skills and techniques or learn new ones
- Asking questions to clarify instructions or maintaining a project related conversation
Internships
Classroom activities can be enhanced by internship or job shadow opportunities. A field trip could also provide students with the opportunity to speak with employees in specific industries. Interaction with professionals gives students exposure to training levels within a business, which skills are necessary for success and the traits of people who are successful in the industry.
