Information for parents about Technology Education
Skills employers look for in employees
In this project, Katikati College students Sharon, Ana and Leanne designed and created an introductory DVD for new students on Year 10 courses and options.
See the Student Showcase 'An Introduction to Year 10 at Katikati College' DVD
Many students, particularly those in senior secondary school, are thinking about their professional future. Whether or not they have a career in mind, most are curious to know what qualities employers are looking for.
Apart from relevant tertiary qualifications, employers in any field look for certain generic skills in their prospective employees.
The New Zealand Curriculum (2007) identifies five key competencies, describing them as 'the capabilities people need in order to live, learn, work and contribute as active members of their communities'. These are:
These competencies form the basis of the learning of Technology in schools, and translate into the essential skills identified by employers, as exemplified in quotes from a variety of industries. The text in italics explains with the way in which these qualities are developed and fostered in Technology Education.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Possibly the most requested skill employers look for is the ability to communicate articulately in both written and verbal forms, and whether you have the ability to organise thoughts and ideas effectively. Craig Price, Regional Manager for Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner Ltd says: "The ability to communicate ideas and concepts effectively in conversation, presentations, correspondence or reports is fundamental to growing a career in an organisation."
Good communication skills are essential to good Technological Practice. Students are required to keep comprehensive workbooks throughout each project, and these account for a substantial portion of their final marks. Students are also required to set up and maintain a relationship with their clients throughout their projects, and to consult stakeholders, peers and, of course, the teacher in a continual process of research, consultation and evaluation. The specialised language of technology provides significant opportunities for enhancing students' competency in using language, symbols and text.
Self-motivation and a keenness to learn
Most employers look for employees who are self-motivated and able to work independently, with as little supervision as possible. Coupled with self-motivation is a keenness to learn – the technology industry is constantly changing and more and more employers are looking for staff with aspirations to improve their skills on the job.
"Attitude is the main thing," says David McKay from Kitchen Contours. "If you've got the right sort of attitude you can pretty much do anything – just the ability to listen and take instructions without being a know-it-all. It's not so much coming in and being able to do a perfect dovetail joint, but more being willing and able to learn on the job. I don't know how many apprentices I have had over the years – 10 or 15 at least – and all now very good tradesmen. So if they want to learn on the job and they have good computer skills, that's a bonus."
Sound Technological Practice demands the learning of new skills both before and during a project, and relies of creating a culture of self-motivation in the learning process. Technology students have a personal stake in their project. Balancing creative freedom with responsibility to clients and/or stakeholders, students are strongly encouraged to take ownership of their projects, including identifying required skills and investigating ways to attain them.
Flexibility to manage multiple tasks
Employees may need to be able to manage several tasks at the same time. Multitasking skills are desirable as it can mean less micromanaging for an employer. A potential employee who can effectively juggle more than one task at a time is attractive to organisations.
"Our technologists are generally working on two or three different projects at any one time," says Sandra Chambers, Product Development Manager at Heinz Wattie's. "They are involved with all aspects of the development of new products. This means they need to be very good at multi-tasking." Ken Herd of Wanganui Incorporated agrees: "Specialised skills are important and in demand in modern business, however people with the abilities and aptitude to broaden their skill base into a multi-tasking role have strong credentials in the current competitive job market."
Scott Abernethy, Software Engineer at Harris Stratex, has this to say: "Engineers can be assigned new work on a daily basis and often have to manage their work across multiple tasks and multiple projects. To be efficient and successful in their job engineers need to be able to prioritize work, to focus on the task at hand, and to be flexible and adaptable to change."
Technology students are often multitasking as they cope with completing tasks in order to meet deadlines. They may be developing a prototype, collecting client feedback, and finishing sections of their workbooks – all in consideration to a projects deadline.
Computer literacy
In an ever-changing technological environment many employers require employees to have good computer literacy. "new employees are always surprised at how computerised things are and how quickly we can do things," says David Mackay, Managing Director of Kitchen Contours. "They still think of kitchen manufacture as hammer and chisel stuff and the good old sandpaper block. They quickly realise that you need a sophisticated set up if you're going to compete."
Information Communication Technology (ICT) teaches students to use essential computers programmes useful in the modern age, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Other technology classes allow students to use modelling software such as Google Sketch Up and Pro Desktop.
Ability to work in a team
Most employees will need to work as part of a team and this ability could be crucial when applying for some positions. "Every project produced by engineers is a team effort," notes Craig Price, Regional Manager for Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner Ltd. "Working collaboratively towards a common goal is hugely satisfying and the ability to work in a team is an important personal characteristic to possess."
Students in Technology classes are often required to work in groups to complete a task, particularly in younger classes where they are more often working on collaborative projects and having to learn a range of new skills. Some classes may have a single client whose time may need to be shared and students required to work together efficiently. Technology programmes provide opportunities to develop ongoing and mutually beneficial community relationships critical for developing student competency in relating to others and participating and contributing to the benefit of others.
Analytical problem solving and the ability to plan, organise, and reflect
Technological industries are continually searching for innovative solutions. They place emphasis on employees being able to think analytically, organise and plan effectively, and reflect on outcomes. The ability to find solutions to problems using creativity, reasoning, and past experiences are often very valuable. "That's the key to any trade," says Rob O'Keeffe from Rob O'Keeffe Joinery. What you're really getting taught in your trade is how to organise a job."
"It's not an old fashioned workshop any more," says Peter Botting, Director of RML Automation, "there's much more depth to it and many more opportunities for bright students to get involved." Sandra Chambers, Product Development Manager at Heinz Wattie's concurs: "Good problem solving skills are vital to resolving product and process related issues. One aspect of a Food Technologist's role is troubleshooting in the manufacturing environment."
"Engineers need to know how to approach and solve complex problems," says Scott Abernethy of Software Engineer at Harris Stratex. "Complexity can easily overwhelm – but a skillful engineer is able to deal with complexity by breaking down the problem into manageable elements, which can be solved and then combined in a total solution."
Critical and creative thinking, planning, organisation, and reflection are key competencies in Technology Education Being able to step back from a situation and answer questions such as 'what is happening?', 'why is it happening?', 'should it be happening?' and 'how could it be done differently?' rely on sophisticated thinking skills. In the technology classroom, students are encouraged to be innovative in finding solutions for their projects. Technology is a unique subject that encourages students to use creativity to design innovative solutions to opportunities.When undertaking their own Technological Practice, whether individually or as part of a group, students are required to develop self management skills in order to effectively plan ahead and manage resources efficiently.
Honesty, integrity and reliability
Employers want trustworthy employees who will act responsibly and with integrity, both individually and as part of a team. "The old fashioned principles of honesty, integrity and reliability remain the cornerstones of modern business," says Ken Herd of Wanganui Incorporated, "and the prime reasons behind a successful and trusting relationship between employers and employees".
Technology projects often involve stakeholders and clients, requiring students to take personal responsibility to provide a solution on time and that meets the requirements not only of the client, but demonstrates consideration of needs, welfare, health and safety of all stakeholders – the user, the community and society – and of environmental considerations.
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