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Learner'S Guide: Heart Trust/National Training Agency
Learner'S Guide: Heart Trust/National Training Agency
Learner'S Guide: Heart Trust/National Training Agency
LEARNER’S GUIDE
PREPARE FOR WORK
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digital or in any form is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained from the HEART
Trust/NTA.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 1
Welcome ................................................................................................................... 1
This Competency Unit.................................................................................................... 1
Before You Start ............................................................................................................. 2
Planning Your Learning Programme ............................................................................. 2
Self-Assessment Checklist ............................................................................................. 3
How To Use This Learner’s Guide ................................................................................ 4
Using the Computer and other Resources...................................................................... 6
Method of Assessment.................................................................................................... 6
LG-BSBCOR0011A:
PREPARE FOR WORK
INTRODUCTION
Welcome
Welcome to the Learner’s Guide for Unit of Competency “Prepare for Work”. This is just
one of a number of Learner’s Guides produced for the Business Administrative Sector, and it
is designed to guide you, the learner, through a series of learning processes and activities that
will enable you to achieve the specified learning outcomes for the competency unit.
The content of this guide was developed from the Competency Standard BSBCOR0011A,
which is one of the basic building blocks for the National Vocational Qualification of
Jamaica (NVQ-J) certification within the industry. Please refer to your Learner’s Handbook
for a thorough explanation of standards and competencies, and how these relate to the NVQ-J
certification.
You are also advised to consult the Competency Standard and Assessment Instrument for a
better understanding of what is required to master the competency.
“Prepare for work” addresses the knowledge and skills requirements for effectively
preparing for work. There are three main areas or elements:
As you go through each element, you will find critical information relating to each one. You
are advised to study them carefully so that you will be able to develop the necessary
knowledge, skills and attitudes for preparing for work.
a. Obtain a Learner’s Logbook that you will use to record evidence of your new
skills/competence. As you demonstrate your new skills, record your activities and have
your learning facilitator sign off on them. This will allow you to provide evidence of
your competence when you are being assessed against the competency standard.
b. Ensure that you have access to the facilities and equipment necessary for learning.
d. Ensure that you are wearing suitable clothing, that tools and equipment are safe, and that
the correct safety equipment is used.
The self-assessment checklist on the following page will assist you in planning your training
programme as it will help you to think about the knowledge and skills needed to demonstrate
competency in this unit. As you go through the checklist you will be able to find out what
elements you have already mastered and which ones you will need to pay more attention to as
you go through the learning process.
To complete the self-assessment checklist, simply read the statements and tick the ‘Yes’ or
‘No’ box. You should do this exercise now.
Self-Assessment Checklist
- Prepare for work
If you ticked all or most of the ‘Yes’ boxes then you might not need to go through the entire
guide. Ask your learning facilitator to assist you in determining the most appropriate action
you should take.
If you ticked a few of the ‘Yes’ boxes or none at all then you should work through all of the
guide, even though some of the material my be familiar to you.
Plan your learning based on your answers. Be sure to involve your learning facilitator in
the planning process.
This Learner’s Guide is designed to assist you in working and learning at your own pace.
• Check your progress at each checkpoint to ensure that you have understood the material
• Observe the icons and special graphics used throughout this guide to remind you of what
you have to do and to enhance your learning. The icons and their meanings are as
follows:
Definition Box
Words/phases are defined or explained in this box. The
words/phases being explained are in bold print.
Checkpoint
This denotes a brain teaser and is used to check your
understanding of the materials presented. No answers are
provided for the questions asked.
Activity
This denotes something for you to do either alone or with
the assistance of your trainer/supervisor.
Reference
Points you to the reference materials and other support
documents or resources used in compiling the unit content.
• Ask your learning facilitator for help if you have any problems with the interpretation of
the contents, the procedures, or the availability of resources.
• Complete each activity as you come to it. If the activity requires you perform an actual
task, be sure to tell your learning facilitator when you get to that activity so that he/she
can make any arrangements, if necessary.
• Get your learning facilitator to sign and date the Learner Logbook when you have
completed an activity.
When you have worked through all elements of the guide, and when you can tick every ‘Yes’
box, you are ready for assessment and should ask your learning facilitator to assist you in
making the arrangements to have your performance assessed.
Where your activities refer you to the library, computer and Internet resources, ask your
learning facilitator to assist you with locating these resources. If you are getting your training
in an institution, there may be a library and a computer laboratory. If this is not the case, visit
the local library and find out what resources are available.
If you are new to the computer and the Internet, someone in the computer room should be
able to show you how to use these resources.
Please note that in many of your activities you have been referred to information on the
Internet. This is because the Internet has a vast amount of information that can help you in
acquiring the particular competencies. We would like to advise you, however, that we cannot
guarantee that all the sites will be available when you need them. If this happens, ask your
learning facilitator to assist you with locating other sites that have the information you
require.
Method of Assessment
Competency will be assessed while you are actually performing the tasks related to this
competency, this may be in a real workplace or a simulated situation that accurately relates to
the work situation. You are advised to consult the associated competency standard and
assessment instrument for further details relating to the assessment strategies.
You may now start your learning. Have fun while you work!
LEARNING OUTCOMES
As you go through this element, you need to ensure that you acquire the necessary
knowledge, skills and attitudes to identify organizational/work requirements. Your learning
facilitator is there to assist you through the different activities so, upon completion, you
should be able to:
1. Identify work requirements and responsibilities with advice from appropriate persons
2. Identify roles and responsibilities of colleagues and immediate supervisors
3. Identify employees/employers’ rights and apply knowledge where appropriate
4. Identify legal responsibilities and any relevant organizational goals and objectives and
apply where appropriate
5. Identify and follow behavior that contributes to a safe work environment
When you go to work, it is important that you understand the requirements of the job and
your responsibility to the organization. A document outlining the company’s policies and
guidelines and a job description will be made available to you. If you work in a government
organization, there will be relevant legislation, which focuses on issues such as industrial
relations, anti-discrimination and safety practices.
Your employer will furnish you with the relevant information, but you can also seek advice
from other persons such as mentors, supervisors, trainers and your colleagues at work.
ACTIVITY:
CHECKPOINT:
Job descriptions will be made up to reflect the level of authority the worker has. Therefore,
your supervisor’s job description will look somewhat different from yours and that of some
of your colleagues. You should know your supervisor’s responsibilities in order to help
prevent conflict and to help you perform better within certain guidelines.
ACTIVITY:
CHECKPOINT:
Every employer expects to be respected. They want employees who acknowledge them for
who they are and have some respect for them in their capacity as the person in charge.
Therefore, employers want employees who are loyal, dependable and understanding.
In the same light, employees expect respect and good treatment from their employers. They
expect that employers will honor their obligations and treat them fairly. By acknowledging
each other’s obligations, both employee and employer will help to foster a good relationship
in the firm, thus eliminating conflicts. You should ensure that when you go to work you
know the obligations of both you, the worker, and your employer.
• The responsibility of providing a safe environment free from discrimination and sexual
harassment
• The right to dismiss an employee if he should:
- Commit a criminal offence
- Cause an accident through negligence or carelessness
- Commit acts of disloyalty such as revealing confidential information
• To instruct employees on how to do the job that is expected of him/her
• To provide a clean environment
• To provide opportunity for career advancement
ACTIVITY:
Visit your school library or public library in your area and seek
information on ‘Rights of the employee in the Caribbean’. Discuss
this information with your colleagues and learning facilitator.
CHECKPOINT:
The organization’s goals and objectives may be stated/implied in the way the organization
conducts its business including:
Goals and objectives of an organization are also stated in a mission statement, which is
centrally located in the organization.
Refer to: Fulton Hanks, (1996). Procedures for the Office Professional,
page 514. Published by South-Western Educational Publishing, Ohio, U.S.A.
CHECKPOINT:
ACTIVITY:
Refer to: Fulton Hanks (1996). Procedures for the Office Professional, third
edition page 514. Published by South-Western Educational Publishing, Ohio,
U.S.A.
CHECKPOINT:
What are some ways in which management can provide for the safety
of the office staff?
ACTIVITY:
Now that you have completed this element, check if you have fully grasped all the
components by doing the following self-assessment:
Checklist 1 Yes No
Checklist 2 Yes No
LEARNING OUTCOMES
As you go through this element, you need to ensure that you acquire the necessary
knowledge, skills and attitudes to work in a team. Your learning facilitator is there to assist
you through the different activities so, upon completion, you should be able to:
When you go to work, you will become part of the team working to achieve the
organization’s objectives. In order to be an effective player, you should ensure that you
display courtesy and helpfulness to other team members. This will help to create a
harmonious atmosphere and less pressure will be placed on one person.
Being helpful and playing your part in a team will also help to boost your morale. You will
feel that you have played a more significant role in the company.
ACTIVITY:
CHECKPOINT:
Refer to: White, Oliverio Pasewark (1998). The Office, Procedures and
Technology South-Western Educational Publishing, Ohio, U.S.A.
Your effectiveness in the organization where you work will be based primarily on how you
perform the tasks that are assigned to you. In order to be successful in this regard, you need
to follow instructions given to you on how to perform these tasks. Liaison with your
supervisor and colleagues will assist you to perform according to requirements. However, it
is also important that you have a sound knowledge and understanding of your job description.
A job evaluation exercise is usually carried out at particular periods which are used by your
supervisor to assess your performance on the job. However, you can assess your own
performance at intervals to ensure that your tasks are being completed as is required.
A job evaluation is beneficial for various reasons including putting a value on the job you
perform and it also helps in identifying appropriate areas for you to be trained in.
Refer to: Quible, Zane (2001). Administrative Office Management, 6th Edition
pages 240 & 254. Publisher Prentice Hall Inc., NJ, U.S.A
CHECKPOINT:
ACTIVITY:
Refer to Quible, Zane (2001). Administrative Office Management Pages 240 &
254. Publisher, Prentice Hall Inc. NJ.
When you work in a team, other interpersonal skills will also become important. Human
relations skills is one of these. When you possess good inter personal skills you will be able
to approach someone and seek assistance when you are facing difficulties in completing a
task. Other workers possessing similar qualities will be willing to share information and will
be willing to listen when you express your ideas and concerns.
When you work in such open environment, you will be more comfortable and effective in
completing your tasks and playing your part in the team. If you think that this openness is
lacking when you start to work, immediate attention must be given to improve the situation
and enhance the work of the team.
CHECKPOINT:
Refer to: Hanks, Fulton (1996). Procedures for the Office Professional (page 64).
South Western Educational Publishing, Ohio, U.S.A
Developing the art of questioning is very important if you are to get a full understanding of
your job and the way your company operates. When you go to work, you will have many
things to learn about your new environment and job. It is your responsibility to ensure that
you understand what is required of you so you can perform accordingly. If you are in doubt,
do not hesitate to ask questions to get a full understanding of your assignment.
TIP! Tact should be exercised when seeking particular information. This will ensure
cooperation from the other party.
ACTIVITY:
CHECKPOINT:
When you work in an organization you will have to deal with different types of people. You
will find that each person you interact with is different in his/her behavior and in the way
he/she does things. This comes about as a result of the following:
• The varying backgrounds and cultures which will affect a person’s behavior
You should ensure that you exercise tact when dealing with people. Your way of handling
each customer or colleague should not imply any form of discrimination. Each person should
be treated with the same level of respect and care.
For example, the way someone dresses or speaks, should not determine the type of service
he/she receives or how you communicate with them. Also, without overlooking other
customers, you should pay special attention to the elderly and the handicapped. These rules
should apply in all aspects of your work as non-discriminatory attitudes should be displayed
in:
TIP! In ensuring that non-discriminatory attitudes are displayed, you should observe the
company’s policy on dealing with customers.
ACTIVITY:
Now that you have completed this element, check if you have fully grasped all the
components by doing the following self-assessment:
Checklist 1 Yes No
Checklist 2 Yes No
LEARNING OUTCOMES
As you go through this element, you need to ensure that you acquire the necessary
knowledge, skills and attitudes to develop effective work habits. Your learning facilitator is
there to assist you through the different activities so, upon completion, you should be able to:
1. Identify work and personal priorities and achieve a balance between competing
priorities
2. Apply time management strategies to work duties
3. Observe appropriate dress and behavior in the workplace
Even though you are employed in an organization, you will have personal assignments that
you need to take care of. Your personal priorities may relate to things such as your personal
studies, your home/family recreational activities, having other jobs and your culture.
Your work priorities may vary according to the organization’s requirements, the type of work
you perform and the degree of client/customer contact.
In accepting a job in a firm, you need to analyze your commitments and ensure that a balance
is created between competing priorities, and interference remains limited.
ACTIVITY:
• Advise her on ways in which she can deal with the problem.
CHECKPOINT:
In order to contribute to efficiency in the office, you must be able to effectively manage your
time. This is important for achieving both professional and personal goals.
One way in which you can manage your time is to manage your work. This involves:
• Gaining knowledge and skills that will enable you to go beyond your present
performance
• Working with an effective reminder system to help you follow-up on each task
Time management is a daily task. You need to think about things such as the time you need
to travel, the time you need to get settled before starting your work and prioritizing your
activities at work.
TIP! As a worker, you have the task of helping your manager and organization save time
in order to meet deadlines. For you to do this, you must understand how to make use of
your time.
ACTIVITY:
Refer to: Foster, Thelma (1994). Office Skills by (4th edition) chapter 19,
Focus on “Prioritizing Tasks”. Stanley Thornes Ltd. London, England.
CHECKPOINT:
What are some ways in which you can manage your time?
Refer to: Foster, Thelma (1994). Procedures for the Automated Office, (Chapter
3) Office Skills (4th edition) Pages 469-471. Publisher Stanley Thornes, London,
England.
In selecting appropriate clothing for the office, you need to consider things such as the color,
design and texture of the fabric. Your goal should be to make each impression of you a
positive one. Therefore, you need to ensure that you are appropriately attired to greet your
visitors and colleagues on a daily basis.
TIP! If it is your company’s policy that uniforms be worn, you should adhere to the rule
and ensure that your uniform is properly laundered and free of tears and marks.
Hygiene is also a very important aspect of grooming. Here are some common grooming
habits to practice:
• Bathe daily
• Keep hair clean and neat at all times
• Make sure your teeth are clean and breath fresh
• Shave regularly
• Use cosmetics and perfume very moderately
• Use anti-perspirant deodorant
• Keep nails short, clean and well-shaped
• Cover cuts with clean bandage
Your demeanor in the workplace will also help to form people’s judgment of you.
Displaying proper behavior in the workplace will also help to eliminate conflicts with your
colleagues and supervisors.
Organizations operate with established rules and guidelines (a code of ethics), which include
hygiene, grooming and general behavior. When you start working, you should ensure that
you learn these rules and receive training in the importance of observing them so that you
will be able to function effectively and efficiently.
ACTIVITY:
CHECKPOINT:
Your positive traits exercised in the workplace should also include offering good customer
service. Your customers expect to be treated with respect and a high level of importance.
You should ensure that the right attitude is displayed toward both your external and internal
customers and team members.
ACTIVITY:
Now that you have completed this element, check if you have fully grasped all the
components by doing the following self-assessment:
Checklist 1 Yes No
Checklist 2 Yes No