"Core Curriculum: Introductory Craft Skills," Vocabulary from Module Eight

The difference between blue collar and white collar jobs began in the 1920s when office workers started wearing white shirts, almost exclusively with a tie. The term blue collar was coined because manual laborers typically wore dark colors that did not show soiled areas.

For example, a project manager plans, coordinates, and controls a project's progress or a portion thereof, while concrete pourers work on the foundation and pipefitters install chilled and hot water systems.

The time to learn about a potential employer is before an application is ever submitted.

Here are some guidelines for resume writing:
•Format your resume chronologically, putting your current or most recent job first.
•Use short sentences and bulleted lists to describe your skills, using key words found in the job description.
•Include certifications and training credentials in specific trade areas.
•Personal information, such as hobbies or volunteer work and commitments can be listed. Employers often appreciate employees who are well-rounded.

Identify companies that you would like to work with, regardless of job postings, and then look for contacts within the company that could help you identify opportunities. Express your interest in finding a job to family and friends.

Understanding the organizational structure and being able to recall some important details about a prospective employer during an interview can make a strong impression.

One of the most important skills one can master is the ability to separate the message from the messenger.

To solve problems that arise on the job, use this five-step process:
Step 1 - Define the problem.
Step 2- Analyze and explore alternatives.
Step 3 - Choose a solution and plan its implementation.
Step 4 - Put the solution into effect and monitor the results.
Step 5 - Evaluate the final result.

Typically, problems will fall under one or more of the following categories:
•Materials (such as shortages, wastes, thefts, or vandalism)
•Equipment (such as breakdowns or lack of qualified operators)
•Tools (such as unavailability, damage, or loss)
•Labor (such as tardiness or absenteeism)

Having a strong work ethic means that you enjoy working and that you always try to do your best on each task. People with a strong work ethic are rarely late or absent.

Here are two examples of initiative:
1) When there is a problem that you can solve, solve it without waiting for someone to tell you to do it.
2) If you finish your task ahead of time, look for another task that can be finished in the remaining time or ask co-workers if they need help.

If a disagreement with a co-worker is getting out of hand, try one of the following techniques to cool the situation down:
•Think before you react.
•Walk away, explaining that you need some time to think through the situation.
•Try not to take it personally.
•Avoid being drawn into others' disagreements.

Constructive criticism should include suggested alternatives. Do not criticize how a co-worker does something unless you can suggest another way. When delivering constructive criticism, do not start the sentence off with "You" because it will immediately put the person on the defense. Instead, try starting out with "In the future."

Similar to bullying, harassment can create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Both can also interfere with an individual's work performance.

Types of drugs that are sometimes used inappropriately:
•Amphetamines and methamphetamines (uppers that excite)
•Barbiturates (downers that relax and sedate)
•Hallucinogens (such as LSD, which distorts perception)
•Opiates (painkillers)
•Synthetic drugs (such as cannabinoids, which are lab-produced marijuana substitutes)

•Trust other members of the team to perform their tasks, just as you perform yours.
•Appreciate the work of others as much as you appreciate your own.
Keep in mind that you are not the only person working hard. So share the credit for good work, and be willing to take responsibility for your mistakes and errors.

You can become a leader at any stage in your career. As an apprentice, you have the authority to perform the task given to you by your supervisor, and your supervisor expects you to be a responsible worker. By carrying out your task quickly, correctly, and independently, you are setting an example for others to follow. In doing so, you are demonstrating leadership skills.