The Goal of the Success at Work Program ($AW) Is to Prepare Middle and High School Students

$AW

Forward

The goal of the Success at Work Program ($AW) is to prepare middle and high school students for the workplace, to help them develop an understanding of the responsibilities in the workplace, to instill in them a sense of self-worth, an appreciation for the opportunities available to them, an awareness of the value of a good work ethic, and a recognition of their own employment potential.

Members of Rotary and other business professionals volunteer one hour per week for up to five weeks to lead this course in practical economics, workplace concerns, workplace expectations and workplace ethics. Serving as role models, volunteers help students prepare for the working world. This $AW manual provides a framework for the course. Rotarians give students real-life perspective by sharing their own business and professional experiences; experiences that are not otherwise available through normal school curriculum.

Program History

Success at Work ($AW) is a nationally recognized program developed originally by the DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce, Volusia County, Florida in 1987 and in partnership with other organizations, including:

Volusia County Schools Volunteer/Partnership Programs
Career Connection/Volusia-Flagler School-to-Work Consortium
Stetson University Department of Career Services

The Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce first adapted the program for the Greater Houston area in 1999 through the efforts of its Education Committee.

In the spring of 2001 the Rotary Clubs of Bellaire/Southwest Houston, Braes Bayou, Galleria, and Sharpstown conducted $AW classes at WelchMiddle School. During the 2001/2002 fiscal year, Rotary District 5890 incorporated the program into its Vocational Service Lane.

Significant contributions in updates and revisions have since been credited to:

Rotarians Don Beckner and Robert Almaraz, 2004
Rotary Club of Seabrook, 2007

Adopting The Program

If you wish to introduce the $AW program into your club’s Vocational Lane of Service or if you simply desire additional information about the program, please feel free to contact any of the following Houston and Bay Area Rotarians:

Don
Bob
Keith
Judy
Ronnie
Chuck
Ralph
Jack
Glenn

Credits & Acknowledgements

(Although some material has been adapted from the public domain, special
thanks and credit is extended to these corporate contributors.)

Texas Workforce Commission
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Dr. Phil McGraw, PhD
Age Wave- Dr. Ken Dychtwald, PhD
American National Business Hall of Fame

Lesson 1 ―

“Making Ends Meet”

KEY CONCEPTS:

Expenditures must be planned.
Pay yourself first.
Payroll taxes.
Inflation.
The importance of regularly saving.
The benefits and dangers of debt.

KEY WORDS:

Income tax
Benefits
Budgeting
Fixed & variable expenses
Inflation
Gross and NET income

BUDGET WORKSHEET

Handout

KEY CONCEPTS

Students can make choices about work.
There are steps one can take to find a job.
Your decisions today will follow you forever.

KEY WORDS

Aptitude
Attitude
Career vs. job
Vocation

Outdoors - active

Routine, predictable - every day the same
Making independent decisions and having responsibility
Working with my hands
Lots of interaction with people
Get to dress casually / Indoors – office work
Change & flexibility – different routines
Not having to make decisions, following other’s instruction
Mental activity – words & math
Working alone
Dress up for work
Emphasis on creativity & using imagination
Pay varies with how much I produce
Managing & influencing other people
Remain in Houston
Operating machines & equipment / Tackling & solving problems
Set, hourly pay
Not having to be concerned with others
Get to travel
No machines or equipment
Work on my feet – move around a lot / I would prefer a sitting job

NOW, LOOK OVER THE CHARACTERISTICS YOU HAVE CIRCLED:

Do any of the jobs discussed in class fit all of the characteristics you circled?
Do you think your ideal job exists?
Do you see any characteristics of a job that might have to be given up in order to receive another?
Of all the characteristics you circled, which is the most important to you?
If you were to get a job that matched your “ideal” job, what kind of training or education would be required?

$AW

When do you feel at your best?
In the morning
During the afternoon
Late at night
You usually walk . . .
Fairly fast, with long strides
Fairly fast, with little steps
Less fast, head up, looking the world in the face
Less fast, head down
Very slowly
When talking to people, you . . .
Stand with your arms folded
Have your hands clasped
Have one or both of your hands on your hips or in your pockets
Touch or push the person to whom you are talking
Play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair
When relaxing, you sit with . . .
Your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
Your legs crossed
Your legs stretched out or straight
One leg curled under you
When something really amuses you, you react . . .
With a big appreciated laugh
With a laugh, but not a loud one
With a quiet chuckle
With a sheepish smile
When you go to a party or social gathering, you . . .
Make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
Make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
Make the quietest entrance possible, trying to stay unnoticed

When you’re working or concentrating very hard and you’re interrupted, you . . .
Welcome the break
Feel extremely irritated
Vary between these two extremes
Which of the following colors do you like most?
Red or orange
Black
Yellow or light blue
Green
Dark blue or purple
White
Brown or gray
When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep, you lie . . .
Stretched out on your back
Stretched out face down or on your stomach
On your side, slightly curled
With your head on one arm
With your head under the covers
You often dream that you are . . .
Falling
Fighting or struggling
Searching for something or somebody
Flying or floating
You usually have dreamless sleep
Your dreams are always pleasant

$AW

SCORE CARD

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Total

POINTS

1. / a.2 / b.4 / c.6
2. / a.6 / b.4 / c.7 / d.2 / e.1
3. / a.4 / b.2 / c.5 / d.7 / e.6
4. / a.4 / b.6 / c.2 / d.1
5. / a.6 / b.4 / c.3 / d.5 / e.2
6. / a.6 / b.4 / c.2
7. / a.6 / b.2 / c.4
8. / a.6 / b.7 / c.5 / d.4 / e.3 / f.2 / g.1
9. / a.7 / b.6 / c.4 / d.2 / e.1
10. / a.4 / b.2 / c.3 / d.5 / e.6 / f.1

NOW, ADD UP THE TOTAL NUMBER OF POINTS . . .

SCORING / ANALYSIS

OVER 60 POINTS… Others see you are someone they should “handle with care.” You’re seen as vain, self-centered and one who is extremely domineering. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but they don’t always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS… Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, one who is quick to make decisions, though not always the right decisions. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. People enjoy being in your company, because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS… Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and always interesting; someone who is constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to your head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who will always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS… Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful and practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but also modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who is extremely loyal to the friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS… Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, but a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment; people expect you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then often decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS… People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive; someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn’t want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don’t exist. Some people think you are boring; only those who know you well know that you are not.

What Can You Tell From a Help-Wanted Employment Ad?

(Answer the following questions for the ad you have selected.)

YES NO

Can you tell what kind of work the person hired will be doing?______

Can you tell how much the job pays?______

Does the ad describe the required skills or training?______

Can you tell what company is advertising this position?______

Can you tell if you can apply for this job by phone?______

Can you tell if this is the kind of work you would enjoy doing?______

On the ad selected circle any words, abbreviations or phrases that you do not know. Find out what they mean in class discussion and write the answers here:

Stats From: Texas Workforce Commission, 2007

WAGE SCALES
ENTRY / EXPERIENCE
MANAGEMENT
Sales, Marketing, Financial, Purchasing, Engineering, Human Resources, Natural Sciences, InformationSystems / $42,581.00
$20.47 / $111,255.00
$53.49
COMPUTER & MATHMATICAL
Programmers, Computer Science Teachers,Computer Services Support,Financial Analysts, Accountants, InsuranceUnderwriters, Real-estate Appraisers / $39,114.00
$18.80 / $ 82,662.00
$39.74
ARCHITECTURAL & ENGINEERING
Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Aerospace,Nuclear, Mechanical, Petroleum, Chemical, Marine / $35,983.00
$17.30 / $ 83,609.00
$40.20
LEGAL
Lawyers, Judges, Court Reporters, Paralegal, Arbitrators, Mediators, Title Examiners / $32,700.00
$15.72 / $105,236.00
$50.59
BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL
Loan Officers, Financial Analysts, Statisticians, Budget Analysts, Personal Financial Advisors / $32,788.00
$15.76 / $ 69,686.00
$33.50
LIFE, PHYSICAL, AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Geoscientists, Psychologists, Physicists, Economists,Astronomers, Atmospheric & Space Scientists,Material Scientists / $29,233.00
$14.05 / $71,663.00
$34.45
HEALTHCARE PRACTICIONERSAND TECHNICAL
Physicians, Psychiatrists, Pharmacists,Podiatrists, Dentists, Optometrists,Veterinarians / $29,203.00
$14.04 / $ 73,495.00
$35.33
EDUCATION, TRAINING ANDLIBRARY
All Teaching Professionals / $19,379.00
$ 9.32 / $ 51,357.00
$24.69
ARTS, DESIGN, ENTERTAINEMENT,SPORTS AND MEDIA
Fashion Designers, Producers & Directors,Media & Communications Equipment Workers,Writers & Authors / $18,280.00
$ 8.79 / $ 51,692.00
$24.85

Stats From: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

More than one third of the top 30 fastest growing occupations are health related. Computer-related occupations are also expected to grow at an above average pace. The table below shows employment in thousands for these top 30 fastest growing occupations for 2004 and projected figures for 2014.

2004 / 2014
Home Health Aides / 624 / 974
Medical Assistance / 231 / 357
Physician Assistants / 62 / 93
Computer Software Engineers / 460 / 682
Physical Therapists Assistants / 59 / 85
Dental Hygienists / 168 / 226
Computer Software Engineers / 340 / 486
Dental Assistants / 267 / 382
Personal & Home Care Aids / 701 / 988
Network & Computer Systems Administrators / 276 / 385
Database Administrators / 104 / 144
Physical Therapists / 155 / 211
Forensic Scientists Technicians / 10 / 13
Veterinary Technologists & Technicians / 60 / 81
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers / 42 / 57
Physical Therapist Aids / 43 / 57
Occupational Therapist Assistants / 21 / 29
Medical Scientists / 72 / 97
Occupational Therapists / 92 / 123
Preschool Teachers (except special education) / 431 / 573
Cardiovascular Technologists & Technicians / 45 / 60
Post-secondary Teachers / 1,628 / 2,153
Hydrologists / 8 / 11
Computer Systems Analysts / 487 / 640
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers / 38 / 50
Biomedical Engineers / 10 / 13
Employment, Recruitment & Placement Specialists / 182 / 237
Environmental Engineers / 49 / 64
Paralegal & Legal Assistants / 224 / 291

KEY CONCEPTS:

There are specific techniques that can increase students’ chances of being hired.
It is important to keep trying to get a job even if you are rejected.
The importance of self-confidence and enthusiasm.
What you do today will follow you forever – why it’s important to always do your best and never burn a bridge!

KEY WORDS:

Job application
Resume
Punctuality
Interview
References
School transcript
Drug testing
Demographics / Social Security

… YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE:

A SMILE

A PEN AND PENCIL

A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

AN INTEREST IN THE JOB

GOOD GROOMING

POCKET RESUME LISTING JOB EXPERIENCES

… AND, FOR AN ESPECIALLY GOOD IMPRESSION, TAKE
THESE:

THREE WRITTEN REFERENCES

ATTENDANCE & GRADE RECORDS FROM SCHOOL

COMPLETION CERTIFICATES FROM $AW CLASSES

Name______

Address ______City______State ____ Zip ______

Home Phone ______Other Phone ______

Date of Birth ______Social Security # ______

Emergency Contact ______Relationship ______

Contact Phone ______

School Attending ______Grade ______

Previous Work Experience

______

Company NameSupervisor NameBusiness Phone

______

Date (from / to) Your Duties

______

Company NameSupervisor NameBusiness Phone

______

Date (from / to) Your Duties

Volunteer Work ______

Talents & Hobbies ______

Personal Goals ______

Personal Reference ______Phone ______

APPEARANCE – The interviewer is expecting to see a person who is clean and well groomed. Your clothes, attitudes and gestures give silent messages to others and create an impression.

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION – Choose an appropriate outfit for the interview.

SMILE AND HANDSHAKE – Know the title of the person interviewing you, if possible. Introduce yourself, shake hands, and smile. A firm handshake and eye-to-eye contact conveys confidence.

WHAT TO BRING – Pen or pencil and writing pad; copy of your resume or personal information sheet, references, etc.

BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE JOB – Knowing what the company does and something about the job you’re applying for may give you a significant advantage.

ASK QUESTIONS, CONVERSE, BUT ALSO LISTEN – Be prepared to discuss your interests, qualifications, and short-term career objectives. Do not ask about salary until you have been offered the job.

APPLY ONLY IF THE JOB IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOU!

SHOW INTEREST, BE MOTIVATED, EMPHASIZE POSITIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS – Show an interest in the job and in your opportunities with the company. Take notes, if appropriate. If you are asked and if you have any questions, try some of these:

How many employees work for the company?
How often do you hire new employees?
Do you hire people with my background? What additional skills or courses would I need to have for this position? To move ahead within the company?
Do you promote from with the company rather than hire from the outside?

BE HONEST. IT’S OKAY TO SAY “I DON’T KNOW”!

SAY THANK YOU – Thank the person at the conclusion for sharing his or her time and for the opportunity to interview. Ask for a business card. After leaving, send a follow-up thank you note.

KEY CONCEPTS:

Take-home pay and costs to employer are not the same.
People who work together have assigned relationships.
Progressive taxation
Capitalism vs. Socialism
Organized labor vs. Right-to-Work

KEY WORDS:

Income Tax
FICA
Medicare
Matching contributions
Integrity
Ethics

PROGRESSIVE INCOME TAX TABLE

FOR SINGLE PERSONS - 2007

MONTHLY TAXABLE INCOME / % / AMOUNT
$ 390.00 / 7.5 / $ 29.00
1,290.00 / 12.7 / 164.00
2,965.00 / 19.6 / 582.00
6,260.00 / 24.0 / 1,505.00
13,500.00 / 28.8 / 3,894.00
Over
13,500.00

Year 2001

EMPLOYEES ACTUALLY COST MORE THAN THEIR PAY

How much employers spend to keep someone on the job…

SECRETARY

Single, part-time with one exemption

EMPLOYEE RECEIVES…
Gross Wages:
25 hrs x $9.00 =$225.00
Less Taxes:
Soc Security- 14.00
Medicare- 4.00
Income- 18.00
NET Wages =$189.00 / EMPLOYER PAYS…
Gross Wages:
25 hrs x $9.00 =$225.00
Plus Taxes & Fees:
Soc Security14.00
Medicare4.00
Workers Comp5.00
Unemplymt4.00
Medical Ins 30.00
Total Cost$282.00

EMPLOYEES ACTUALLY COST MORE THAN THEIR PAY

How much employers spend to keep someone on the job…,

CONSTRUCTION WORKER

EMPLOYEE RECEIVES…
Gross Wages:
25 hrs x $12.00 =$300.00
Less Taxes:
Soc Security- 19.00
Medicare- 5.00
Income- 30.00
NET Wages =$246.00 / EMPLOYER PAYS…
Gross Wages:
25 hrs x $12.00 =$300.00
Plus Taxes & Fees:
Soc Security19.00
Medicare9.00
Workers Comp10.00
Unemplymt4.00
Medical Ins 30.00
Total Cost$368.00

WHAT EMPLOYERS EXPECT…

Come to work every day – on time.
Work diligently - do it correctly, too, and complete it on time.
Take pride in your work. /
Follow company rules and policies.
Carry out orders.
Show a willingness to learn.
Get along with co-workers.
Pitch in and lend a helping hand, even when it isn’t your primary job.
Appreciate privileges and do not abuse them.
Maintain a good, positive attitude.
Be always honest and remain loyal.
Make an effort to improve; make suggestions for improvement.
Accept responsibility for what you do; don’t make excuses or try to place blame on others or other things for your errors!

KEY CONCEPTS:

Business involves risk.
All businesses don’t earn the same.
Business decisions affect earnings.

KEY WORDS:

Risk
Risk management
Venture capital
Working capital
Market analysis
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Sales
Margin
Pre-tax profit
NET profit

THE WORLD’S BEST COOKIE COMPANY

Handout

THE FOUR-WAY TEST
of the things Rotarians think, say, or do…
First . . . / Is it the truth?
Second . . . / Is it fair to all concerned?
Third . . . / Will it build good will and better friendships?
Fourth . . . / Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The Four-Way Test is one of the most widely printed and often quoted statements of business ethics in the world. It was created by Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of a Chicago-based company, Club Aluminum, which was facing bankruptcy. Taylor looked for a way to save the struggling business and the jobs of 250 employees. This twenty-five word code of ethics was the solution for all employees to follow in their business and professional lives. The Four-Way Test became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers; and the survival of the company was credited to this simple philosophy. It works.

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