General Resources: Career Development, Work Study and Safety

Titles and Descriptions

Please note: The following resources are applicable to most Practical and Applied Arts Curricula. They are general references that provide excellent information about career development, work study or safety. More specific safety, career or work study information related to a particular subject can be found in each bibliography.

Blueprint for Life/Work Designs. Rev. ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Redekopp, Dave. The National Life/Work Centre (NLW), 2000. unp. No order number is required. ($25.00 binder).

(CAN) This resource addresses the need for high-quality career development programs for youth by providing specific guidelines that list competencies considered important to develop throughout one's life/work building process. The competencies cover the areas of personal management, learning and work exploration and life/work building. Indicators that describe more specific outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes are also provided. Blueprint provides a theoretical framework for the work study and career modules in all practical and applied arts courses.

In addition to this package, there is Blueprint for Life/Work Designs: The Quick Reference Guide. This information is also accessible through a website at the following address: http://www.blueprint4life.ca.

Recommended titles in this series include the following:

(CAN) Career Options for Women is a series of 13 half-hour programs about women working in jobs traditionally done by men, mostly in trades and technology. Each program features three women. The career categories for this series include aviation, automotive, construction, culinary, engineering, entertainment, information technology, medical/health, manufacturing, military, protective services, rescue and utilities.

Supporting print is available from Media Group.

Career Options for Women II Series (Video). Third Wave Communications Inc. (MGR), 2001. 24 min. Order numbers follow. Teacher's Guide for series - Order no. G712 ($8.94 spiral-bound).

Recommended titles in this series include the following:

(CAN) This second Career Options for Women Series continues to provide valuable information and inspiration to young women who wish to work in the trades or technology. The programs also raise the awareness level of young men who are considering a career in these areas. Each program features three women who are working in a wide variety of jobs within the areas of energy and mines, forestry, agriculture, communications and entrepreneurship.

Supporting print material is available from Media Group.

Career Options for Women III Series (Video). Third Wave Communications Inc. (MGR), 2002. 24 min. Order numbers follow. Teacher’s Guide for series - Order no. G1137 ($7.84 looseleaf).

Recommended titles in this series include the following:

(CAN) The third installment of the Career Options for Women Series continues to provide valuable information and inspiration to young women who wish to work in alternative occupations. Each program features three women who are working in a wide variety of jobs within the areas of the military, finance, construction, technology, the arts and manufacturing.

A companion website at www.careeroptions.org provides additional information about the people and occupations profiled in each program.

Supporting print material is available from Media Group.

Construction Safety Training System (CD-ROM). Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SKSA), 1999. ($FREE).

(SK) This is an excellent software package designed to encourage greater safety awareness in the construction industry. The topic, the use of interactive video and the excellent production values make this program suitable for senior high school students. Twelve areas of safety are covered - from the law at work to protective equipment, workplace hazards, machinery and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Each section has several lessons that encourage students to learn the new concepts through the use of interactive video. Following the study component, students can check their progress and then test their learning using the same program. One hundred percent accuracy of the 12 lessons is required to obtain a one-year safety certification from the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association. The program is very flexible and teachers can choose to use just one of the modules, or all 12. Although the program can be used for independent study, it best serves students when implemented as a teaching tool. The video can be paused at any point for discussion and further explanation.

The program is available free to schools by contacting the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association. This organization can also provide information regarding training options.

Don't Risk Your Life (Video). Saskatchewan Labour and Partners in Motion (MGR), 2003. 15 min. Dup. order no. V2238. Teacher's Guide - Order number G2238 ($FREE booklet).

(SK) Effective case studies are used to reinforce the importance of safety in the workplace. The stories of several Saskatchewan young people, who have been injured or killed on the job, are an effective backdrop to the rights and responsibilities students have in the workplace. Each case study has been re-enacted and includes interviews with the students who were injured or the parents of the young workers who died.

This video was distributed to all Middle and Secondary Level schools in September 2003. It was also distributed to participants of the Ready for Work workshops. Additional copies can be obtained from Media Group.

Dying to Work (Video). (W5 Series). CTV Television Network Ltd. (MGR), 2000. 19 min. Dup. order no. V638.

(CAN) As more and more young people start their first jobs, the rate of accidents and deaths is rapidly rising. This program features interviews with the parents of several teens who were killed or seriously injured shortly after starting their jobs. The need to ask questions related to safety before starting a job is stressed as are the rights and responsibilities of the employer and the employee. This is an effective video that reinforces a strong safety message.

Employability Skills Toolkit for the Self-Managing Learner (Print-Non-Fiction). The Conference Board of Canada (MHR), 2000. ISBN 0-07-087847-1 ($79.95 binder).

(CAN) The five modules within this practical resource are designed to help students develop and use the skills they need to enter into and progress within the world of work. The modules include information on knowing yourself, identifying and reflecting upon personal skills as well as practising and marketing these skills. The step-by-step layout and the use of charts make this resource very user friendly.

Background information on the Toolkit can be obtained online at http://www.conferenceboard.ca/education/learning-tools/toolkit.htm.

Essential Skills/Compétences Essentielles: Skills for Life, Learning and Work (CD-ROM). Human Resources Development Canada (NAD), 2000. No order number is required. ($10.00).

(CAN) Developed by Human Resources Development Canada, this resource can provide some excellent answers to students who are wondering about future careers and the skills they will need. Skills such as reading, writing, numeracy, oral communication, thinking, problem solving, working with others and computer use are all connected to 170 different occupations. Students can look up a particular career/occupation and see how each of the skills fits in, or they can look up the skill and receive a list of all the occupations that would make use of that skill. For example, if problem solving is entered as a skill it will list occupations such as mechanics, cosmetologists and carpenters. The program will then give examples of the types of problem solving that takes place in each of these occupations. Students can then compare their skill levels with those that are needed on the job. Links to websites for further information are also provided.

Human Resources Development Canada's website at http://www15.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/english/es.asp provides further information.

Eye Protection: The Humorous Approach (Video). Programme Safety (PSA), 1992. 14 min. No order number is required. ($185.00).

While humour and eye injuries certainly do not go together, this video takes a different approach in getting across the seriousness of the issue. What may appear as obvious safety precautions are often overlooked. The video takes a detailed look at how injuries to the eye occur in several industrial situations. Techniques that are needed to avoid these accidents are discussed, as are procedures to follow if an eye accident occurs.

Guide for New Workers (Print-Non-Fiction). (Ready for Work Series). Saskatchewan Labour (SAL), 2001. 247 p. No order number is required. ($FREE spiral-bound).

(SK) Published by Saskatchewan Labour and distributed to all high schools in 2001, this resource offers very practical information for students in practical and applied arts courses. Some of the topics covered include applying for a job, employment equity, exploring careers, interviews, pay, rights and responsibilities, safety on the job and unions. As part of the Ready for Work Series, this book focuses on helping new workers make a successful transition to work.

Guide for New Workers: Counsellor/Classroom Edition (Print-Non-Fiction). (Ready for Work Series). Saskatchewan Labour (SAL), 2002. 142 p. No order number is required. ($FREE loose-leaf).

(SK) Based upon the Guide for New Workers student handbook, this resource provides teachers with excellent suggestions on how to create an awareness of work realities. New sections that do not exist in the student handbook have been added. These include topics on bullying, relevant websites, legislation and support services. The format allows for photocopying in whole or in part for instructional use.

(SK) This resource is the result of a collaborative partnership involving Saskatchewan Education, SIAST Woodland Campus and Saskatchewan Labour. The objective of the resource is to provide assistance for teachers to incorporate employability skills into their curricula. The 24 activities that are included with the resource are adaptable to either the Middle or Secondary Level curricula. Some of the topics examined through the activities include realistic job expectations, being an on-the-job coach, group decision making, conflict of interest in the workplace, telephone etiquette, fair employment and customer service. Each activity is clearly explained with objectives, resources and step-by-step directions.

Although this resource is not currently available for order, it was previously distributed to junior and senior high schools in the province.

High School to Apprenticeship: A Link to the Future 2003: Handbook for High School Administrators and Guidance Counsellors (Print-Non-Fiction). Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trade Certification Commission (SATC), 2003. 126 p. No order number is required. ($FREE pbk.).

(SK) This booklet provides an overview of the apprenticeship program in Saskatchewan and the connection it has to several high school programs. It is an essential resource for teachers who may have students who are preparing for a career in a designated trade. Each of the designated trades in Saskatchewan is listed and details are given about entrance requirements and training. This evaluation was based on the 2003 edition. Please contact Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification for the latest information.

Manual Handling (Video). Safetycare Inc (SCI), 10 min. No order number is required. ($220.00).

Manual handling is the movement of items by human energy. If not done properly serious injury can result. This video shows the types of injuries that can occur, how to move and lift items properly and how to avoid being injured.

Moving Online...More Ready for Work Resources (CD-ROM). Saskatchewan Labour - Prevention Services Branch (SWL), 2003. No order number is required. ($FREE).

(SK) This CD contains a wealth of resources including electronic quizzes, PowerPoint presentations, learning activities, checklists and guides that supplement the Ready for Work Resource Binder. By using this resource teachers can provide students with important information about health, safety, and labour standards that will help them make a positive transition from school to work. The program is designed to work with Windows 95 or higher and Internet Explorer.

The CD will be part of the Ready for Work binder as of September 2003. Individual copies are available from Saskatchewan Labour.

Personal Protective Equipment (Video). Safetycare Inc. (SCI), 1995. 20 min. No order number is required. ($220.00).

This video presents a detailed look at the many different pieces of safety equipment that are needed when working in industry. The main areas of concern are the eyes, head, hands and feet. Although the video is aimed for use in factories, it does have excellent ties to classroom use.

Portable Extinguishers (Video). (The Essentials of Fire Fighting Series). Action Training Systems (ATR), 1993. 18 min. Order no. VE107 ($140.00 U.S.).

This program presents the different types of fire extinguishers and how to use them correctly. It examines the rating system for extinguishers, shows the operating instructions for portable extinguishers, describes the types and use of hand-held extinguishers and demonstrates inspection techniques.

Ready for Work (Kit). Saskatchewan Labour, Labour Standards Branch (SAL), 1999. No order number is required. ($FREE).

(SK) Produced by Saskatchewan Labour, this comprehensive binder of excellent resources provides background information on virtually all areas of safety. The central concept in the package is that young people need more than a job to be ready for work. They need to know their rights and responsibilities. They also need to know about health, safety and fairness in the workplace. The entire Ready for Work program consists of up to 25 hours of interactive, in-class materials. Some of the sections include occupational health and safety, hazardous materials, recognizing hazards, labour standards for young workers, and rights and responsibilities.

Saskatchewan Labour's websites at www.readyforwork.sk.ca and www.labour.gov.sk.ca provide more information about other support material that goes with the package, including videos and a CD-ROM.

The entire Ready for Work binder is available through a Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation workshop. Individual components can be requested through Saskatchewan Labour.

Safety Care Series (Video). Safetycare Inc. (SCI). No order number is required. ($180.00)
Recommended titles in this series include the following:

Eye Safety (1989, 10 min.)
Foot Safety (1990, 13 min.)
Hand Safety (1989, 13 min.).

These videos take a specialized look at the hazards that exist for the eye, hand and foot. In addition to discussing the hazards that can result in injuries, each of the videos also discusses the control measures necessary to reduce these injuries.

Although they have been produced for use by companies, these programs are of value in the classroom situation.

Step Into the World of Workplace Learning: A Collection of Authentic Workplace Materials (Print-Non-Fiction). Lewe, Glenda and MacLeod, Carol D. Nelson Thomson Learning (NEL), 2001. 303 p. ISBN 0-17-608571-8 ($39.95 binder).

(CAN) As the title indicates, this package is aimed at providing the classroom teacher with actual materials used in the workplace. Samples of newsletters, contracts, tables and graphs that are used in the workplace are provided so students will be able to acquire and enhance workplace competencies. In addition to workplace competencies, students can also acquire knowledge of the occupations that use the documents, the essential skills that are needed in that job and a better idea of the norms of the world of work. The collection is not designed to be used directly by learners, but rather to help teachers develop learning activities. The occupations highlighted are real-world jobs that do not require university training.

This information is also accessible through a website at http://www15.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/awm/default.asp.

Understanding Hazards and Risks (Video). (Safety Care Series). Safetycare Inc. (SCI), 2001. 16 min. No order number is required. ($220.00).

This video provides a general discussion about safety in the workplace. The philosophy and the laws behind safety are examined. In addition to safety in the workplace, the concept of safety in society as a whole is addressed.

WHMIS (Video). Safetycare Inc. (SCI), 2001. 16 min. No order number is required. ($220.00).

This video presents an overview to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). The origins of WHMIS, the classes and types of controlled products and the symbols used to illustrate potential hazards are shown. Safe handling and storage of hazardous materials are stressed as is recognizing the labels that are used.

Internet Sites

The following Internet sites provide a very brief overview of what is available. These sites have been evaluated and are recommended for use in schools. It is recommended that a careful screening of each site be undertaken prior to using it.

If educators are unsure about the reliability of the information found at a website, they should compare the author's claims and evidence with other sources with which they are familiar. When in doubt, educators should choose only the sites that list the authors' and/or contributors' names along with the title. If the site does not identify contributors and authors, the information found at the site might not be reliable.

These sites were checked for availability on June 1, 2003.

Internet sites that have been formally evaluated and linked to curriculum objectives can be viewed by selecting the Database of Websites found on the Evergreen Curriculum Resources page at the following address:
http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/resources_main.html

Authentic Workplace Materials
http://www15.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/ awm/default.asp

Blueprint for Life/Work Designs
http://www.blueprint4life.ca

Career Awareness
http://www.hrdc.gc.ca/career

Essential Skills: Skills for Life Learning and Work
http://www15.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/english/es.asp

Human Resources Development Canada
http://www.hrdc.gc.ca/common/home.shtml

National Life/Work Centre
http://www.lifework.ca/home.htm

National Occupational Classification (NOC)
http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

Ready for Work
http://www.readyforwork.sk.ca

Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
http://www.gov.sk.ca/shrc

Saskatchewan Labour
http://www.labour.gov.sk.ca

Saskatchewan Labour - Health and Safety Video Catalogue
http://www.labour.gov.sk.ca/safety/video

Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board
http://www.wcbsask.com

SaskNetWork Site
http://www.sasknetwork.gov.sk.ca

SaskWork Online Guide
http://www.saskworkguide.ca/default.cfm