Informed choices - Work Health and Safety

To work in the industry areas identified, the following skills needs to be considered:

Observational skills

This includes the ability to:

• Notice changes in people’s behaviour, ability and the environment
• Identify safety hazards and risks
• Observe and understand non-verbal cues (e.g. facial expressions, body language)

Communication skills

This includes the ability to:

• Communicate effectively with a range of people (e.g. families, co-workers)
• Use appropriate language and respect when working with other people (including those from different cultures)
• Listen attentively to what is being said
• Read and understand written information
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions
• Understand and respond to verbal and non- verbal communication
• Write coherent communication appropriate to the situation
• Use technology to communicate (e.g. computer/iPad for reports, emails, documents)
• Communicate and work with other people as a team

Technical and/or motor skills and abilities

This includes the ability to:

• Enjoy working with in a team environment
• Enjoy practical work
• Pay attention to detail
• Have patience with learning
• Use numeracy effectively
• Have a range of Information Technology (IT) skills to complete assignments and internet research

Cognitive and intellectual skills
This includes the ability to:

• Gather, understand and organise information
• Use own judgment / problem-solving skills
• Recall and communicate information
• Be able and willing to follow instructions, procedures and policies
• Understand and use math effectively (e.g. measurements, calculations, 24-hour clock)
• Maintain a sufficient level of concentration to complete an activity / task
• Problem solve (e.g. showing independence and initiative in identifying and solving problems)
• Demonstrate time management (e.g. able to work accurately within time constraints)

Behavioural and social skills

This includes the ability to:

• Work as part of a team and/or independently
• Be pleasant and tactful when dealing with customers over the phone and face-to-face
• Have a genuine interest in working with people
• Have a good understanding of equality and discrimination policies
• Have interpersonal skills and an ability to put the customer at ease
• Adapt to change
• Take responsibility for own actions
• Maintain confidentiality
• Comply with legal requirements of industry

Some of the core language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills for entry into the above course are:

Learning - Legal and ethical guidelines of work, understand human needs, individual differences, service standards, safety policies and procedures

Reading skills - Reading and understanding client service plans, procedures and work instructions, industry specific terminology and symbols

Writing skills - Legible handwriting in completing forms, documents and reports.

Oral communication - Use effective questioning and active listening techniques to confirm requirements and monitor outcomes

Numeracy skills - Identify exposure limits and understanding of units in relation to compliance, read, interpret and document values.

Problem solving skills - Identify and respond to meet needs on a daily basis.

Listed below are the employability skills that an individual student needs to demonstrate during training and are highly valued by industry when seeking employment.  As a student you must be able to demonstrate the following:

Communication

• The ability to develop and maintain relationships, trust and confidence.
• The ability to communicate with a range of people from different backgrounds.

Teamwork

• The ability to work with other people for a common outcome.
• Respect for other people and their role within the work team.
• The ability to accept direction and feedback.

Problem solving

• The ability to identify potential problems and respond appropriately.
• The ability to ask questions and seek clarification when necessary.

Initiative and enterprise

• Motivation and interest.
• The ability to seek assistance when necessary.
• Foresight / the ability to see what needs to be done.

Planning and organising

• Appropriate time management skills.
• The ability to prioritise, plan and organise own workload.

Self-management

• Seek feedback and reflect on your own performance
• Accept responsibility for own actions.

Learning

• Ability to identify own strengths and weaknesses and seek assistance where necessary.
• The ability and motivation to build on past knowledge and experience.
• The ability to take on new information and tasks.

Technology

• The ability to learn and adapt to new technology.
• The ability to access information and use digital media for study and work.