CAREER COMPETENCY SYSTEM
Developed by Capital Workforce Partners, CREC and OIC New Britain
A competency is a set of skills, knowledge, and abilities that enable an individual to perform a specific task or job efficiency. Competencies are important because they help focus employees’ behavior on things that matter most to an organization and help drive success. As an employment and training organization, it is our priority to instruct our youth in these competencies to prepare them for success as they navigate the many aspects of daily living in preparation for the world of work.
ACADEMIC - Student can achieve at/above grade level in Math, English, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
DIGITAL LITERACY - Student can conduct internet research, utilize email, demonstrate proficiency in google suite and MS Office, and navigate social media responsibly.
INTERPERSONAL - Student can demonstrate enthusiasm and cultivate positive relationships, understand various viewpoints, work as a team player, resolve conflict with civility, demonstrate self-control, show courtesy and respect, and be productive with/without supervision.
COMMUNICATION - Student can express him/herself clearly and respectfully, build on the ideas of others and recognize non-verbal cues.
CRITICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING - Student can interpret information, ask questions, think creatively, be resourceful, utilize appropriate strategies, and take ownership to solve problems.
PROFESSIONAL - Students bring a “can-do” attitude, is a “self-starter,” is hard working, punctual, reliable, maintains appropriate appearance, and uses a smart phone appropriately.
TIME MANAGEMENT - Student can plan/prioritize tasks; balance multiple assignments, use time efficiently and meet both short-and long-term deadlines.
ADAPTABILITY - Student is open to new ideas and can embrace change; accept and integrate criticism and shows a desire for personal/professional growth.
CUSTOMER SERVICE - Student can provide accurate/timely information, deliver requested services efficiently, and de-escalate conflict when needed.
JOB SEARCH - Student demonstrates an awareness of career fields/options; can prepare cover letter/resume/job applications with references, can answer interview questions; and tap his/her network.
FINANCIAL LITERACY - Student can write a check, monitor money flow, understand the basics of credit/interest/budgeting, and calculate basic transactions.
OUR PROGRAMS
IMPACT: Intelligence, Motivation, Patience, Attitude and Career Training
IMPACT is an out-of-school program that prepares youth 18-24 for the world of work. Skills learned are Basic Skills, Personal Qualities, Interpersonal/Communication, Customer Services, Computer Literacy, Financial and Job Seeking. Youth do a career pathway in Allied Health.
MEN OF COLOR
Men of Color is a program designed to serve males with a strong focus on juniors and seniors at New Britain High School that are not going on to further formal education. This program is intended to prepare them to enter today’s workforce with a focus on soft skills. Soft skills are personal attributes needed to succeed in the workplace such as work ethic, positive attitude, good communication skills, time management, problem solving, acting as a team player, self-confidence, and the ability to accept constructive criticism. Youth earn a ½ credit towards graduation.
MOVING MOUNTAINS - SULLIVAN ACADEMY
Moving Mountains-Sullivan Academy program is designed to prepare 6th, 7th, and 8th graders for the transition to 9th grade. The program focuses on the Career Competency System, Drop Out and Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Academic Enrichment & Healthy Behaviors.
The program is named after the founder of Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc., The Rev. Dr. Leon Howard Sullivan's book "Moving Mountains." This book emphasizes self-help, while encouraging youth to invest in their communities as volunteers and good citizens.
HEALTHY LIVING
Healthy Living is an enhancement endeavor with Brookside School. This program is designed to have youth exposed to three areas of academic enrichment. The areas of focus are: Cooking with Cultural Diversity which will expose youth to a variety of cultures through food experiences, entrepreneurship, food etiquette and science. FIT (Fitness in Training) Media Smart: Designed to empower youth to become aware of and think critically about the media’s role in influencing their health, make informed decisions about nutrition, establish healthy habits and physical activity. Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Youth will build skills in six SEL areas: Emotional Management, Empathy, Teamwork, Responsibility, Initiative and Problem Solving. Youth earn ½ credit towards graduation.
SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT & LEARNING PROGRAM (SYELP)
This program prepares in-school youth ages 14-19 for the world of work by providing a tier system. Youth are able to gain the necessary work skills so they can become successful students and outstanding employees.
Tier I
Youth between the ages of 14 and 15 are provided with a career exploration program for 5 weeks. Students participate in various exploratory activities such as identifying a career field, completing job applications, preparing a resume and how to prepare for the interview process.
Tier II Youth participate in small cohorts/groups model - Mentoring/job coaching model - Experience a mix of both project-based learning and classroom learning continuing to learn soft skills
Tier III
This program operates the months of July and August and provides a paid work experience for New Britain in-school youth ages 15-19. Youth are placed on jobs for 5 weeks and work a total of 24 hours per week. Participants also complete a dream resume as part of their employment development training.
To participate in this program youth must be attending school in New Britain.
MMSA STEP-UP (21st CCLC)
MMSA Step-Up is designed as a pipeline from the Moving Mountains Sullivan Academy after-school program for eighth graders transitioning into high school and continuing as they stream through high school. The MMSA Step-Up program serves students grades 9-12. Upper class-men will participate in advanced Career Competency skill development including interviewing, unpaid internships, job shadowing, homework help, team building activities and recreational activities. Youth will build skills in the six SEL areas of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) which consist of the following: Emotional Management, Empathy, Teamwork, Responsibility, Initiative and Problem Solving. Youth who participate in the program will have the first opportunity to apply for Summer Youth Employment. Also, youth will earn ½ credit towards graduation.
STEMLinx Workforce Pathways for Youth
STEMLinx provides inspiring students ages 14-21 an opportunity to pursue and build their knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. Participants in the STEMLinx program will receive real life work experiences, engagement with STEM professionals and access to STEM equipment and materials.
CAREER ASSESSMENT
Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) provides basic skills (i.e.: reading & math) assessment and career interest inventories.
Customers complete their assessments in small (i.e.: 10 or less) sessions or an individual basis, as needed. Typically, a customer will complete the appropriate assessment(s) in a single assessment session, receiving feedback on his/her reading and math scores and additional career exploration resources within the session. Referrals to Adult Education Programs are made at this time for customers who need to complete their high school diplomas or who need to augment their skills.
Primary assessment includes:
Basic Skills/Literacy
CASAS, Employment Competency System (ECS) Appraisal, Career Interest Inventories
Self-Directed Search (SDS)
Career Decision-Making System (CDM)
G.R.E.A.T: Gun Resistance Education and Training
This enhancement program addresses Youth Violence Prevention initiatives for all OIC programs.
PROGRAM APPLICATION
If you are interested in signing you child up for one of our programs, please click on the button below to download an application and return it by mail to OIC New Britain, 114 North Street, New Britain, CT 06051 or you can drop it off at the office between the hours of 9am to 5pm.
