About this course

Basic Employability Skills for Trades Workers is a 1-hour course designed for entry-level and early-career trades workers—including pre-apprentices in construction, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and related fields. The course builds the practical soft skills that employers consistently rank as most important: reliability, safety mindset, communication, teamwork, and basic problem-solving.

Aligned with the U.S. Department of Education Employability Skills Framework, the Illinois Essential Employability Skills Framework, and NCCER Basic Employability Skills (Module 00108), this course goes beyond theory. Learners walk away with four reusable checklists and job aids they can use on the job starting their very next shift. Through short video modules, facilitated discussion, scenario-based practice, and guided reflection, participants build confidence in the behaviors that get people hired, kept, and promoted on job sites.

Subjects covered

Construction Trade Skills

Learning Objectives

  • Identify at least 3 observable behaviors that signal reliability on a construction site (on-time arrival, readiness to work, following instructions without repeated reminders).
  • Use a Daily Readiness Checklist before each shift to confirm preparedness with proper PPE, tools, documentation, and information for the day's tasks.
  • Describe how employability skills—dependability, following procedures, speaking up respectfully—directly support OSHA-aligned safety practices and reduce job-site risk.
  • Apply a "Stop–Think–Act" job aid when unsure how to proceed or upon noticing a potential hazard.
  • Use a Toolbox Talk Communication Checklist to contribute during a morning huddle in a way that is concise, respectful, and balanced.
  • Practice a 3-step approach (Describe → Explain Impact → Ask for Next Step) for handling minor conflict or giving and receiving feedback with coworkers or supervisors.
  • Apply a 4-step Field Problem-Solving Card (Define → Options → Consult → Safest Next Step) to common on-site issues such as missing materials or unclear instructions.

Course outline

8 modules
5 hours to complete
1. Getting Started
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
2. Reliability on the Job
Master the operation of hand tools and machinery, develop trade-specific skills, and understand equipment safety requirements
Key Learning Points:
  • Safe operation of common hand tools and power tools
  • Basic machinery operation principles and safety
  • Trade-specific skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry
  • Equipment maintenance and care
3. Safety, Communication & Huddles
Comprehensive coverage of construction safety standards, OSHA requirements, and risk management on job sites
Key Learning Points:
  • OSHA safety standards and regulations
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection and use
  • Hazard identification and risk assessment
  • Emergency procedures and incident reporting
4. Conflict, Feedback & Problem-Solving
Develop essential literacy and numeracy skills for construction work including blueprint reading and calculations
Key Learning Points:
  • Basic math, algebra, and geometry applications in construction
  • Blueprint and schematic interpretation
  • Measurement and calculation accuracy
  • Technical documentation and specification reading
5. Apply & Assess
Build essential soft skills for effective collaboration, conflict resolution, and critical thinking in construction environments
Key Learning Points:
  • Effective verbal and written communication techniques
  • Team collaboration and conflict resolution
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving methodologies
  • Professional relationship building
6. Physical Fitness and Technology Integration
Understand physical demands of construction work and embrace emerging technologies in the industry
Key Learning Points:
  • Physical fitness requirements and injury prevention
  • Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity development
  • Emerging construction technologies and digital tools
  • Adaptability and continuous learning mindset
7. Professional Development and Career Advancement
Strategies for skill improvement, job searching, and long-term career growth in the construction industry
Key Learning Points:
  • Continuing education and certification opportunities
  • Resume writing and interview skills for construction jobs
  • Networking and professional relationship building
  • Career pathway planning and goal setting
8. Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

Authors

Brittany Heller

HeatSpring

Brittany Heller has been in the solar industry in a variety of roles since January 2015. She began her solar career in residential sales in New Orleans. She then moved to Denver where she completed a Construction Fellowship with GRID Alternatives Colorado, building a wide portfolio of solar projects all benefiting income-qualified families. In April 2018, she began her...

J West

Principal, hph2tc

I want to help you and your company fix tough talent development and retention challenges with a creative mix of smart curriculum design, engaging content, and blended learning strategies that actually move the needle on workforce skills and brand value. I’m an experienced adult learning practitioner, manager, and public speaker who’s spent years making training...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students can pre-order but will not be able to access the full course materials or earn a certificate of completion until the course is fully published. Once the course is published any students who have pre-ordered will then have access to the course materials for one year (365 days). After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.

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