Proprietary Essential Life Skills curriculum provided by 2nd Chance University
Offering the total package providing graduates with a life-long journey to success, personally and professional. Together, we educate, employ, and empower
students with the tools to succeed within the HVAC industry and beyond.
The following summarizes the weekly 2nd Chance University Essential Life Skills Program accompanying HVAC practical applications and theory:
Week 1
I Choose My Path
Synopsis for initial two days: Rules and expectations are defined for the successful HVAC technician, personally and professionally. Through discussion, activities, affirmations and journal writing, students acquire to tools to rise above yesterday’s normal
- Self-awareness and inner-strength exercises are introduced
- Essential tools for success (preparation, planning, goal setting, etc.) are reinforced
- Student success is conceptualized as a mountain—each student charts an individual path to the peak while preparing methods to overcome obstacles
I Will Overcome
Synopsis for week one conclusion: Participants are worthy of good things by accepting responsibility, remaining dedicated, and doing the hard work.
- Visualization methods are used as a guiding light to secure a personal and professional path
- Resetting attitude and the mind (via self-awareness and taking ownership of past mistakes) to move away from negative thoughts and acts
Week 2
I Am…
Synopsis for initial two days: Participants recognize they deserve to reach the summit but doing so demands losing bad habits and negative thought patterns while cultivating positive ones. Common stumbling blocks such as excuses, blaming others, and rationalizations are examined.
- Goal-setting processes are reinforced
I Got This
Synopsis for week two conclusion: Choosing (and staying on) the right path requires a positive attitude, motivation, and establishing good habits to replace bad ones. Self-discovery and visualization applications are reinforced as methods to overcome obstacles are detailed.
- SMART goal technique is presented, aiding students to setting and attaining specific, realistic, and attainable goals.
Week 3
I Represent
Synopsis for initial two days: What defines you? This section answers this question by looking at how participants portray themselves. We continue developing tools to craft successful plans, exerting control over their lives, and conveying value to employers, peers, and society.
- The Looking Glass Self theory is examined
Step by Step
Synopsis for week three conclusion: Participants learn how to showcase relevant experience, accomplishments, and transferable skills to a potential employer. Distinguishing between realistic and unrealistic expectations as part of the decision-making process is explored as is the distinction between fact and opinion.
- Activities allow participants to recognize they have more transferable skills and relevant experience than they may be aware of
- Feet planted, we re-establish reality and expectations
Week 4)
Skills, Value, and ME
Synopsis for initial two days: Landing a job requires showing unique value to employers. Here participants are given support and hope by identifying unique value, key strengths, and accomplishments, no matter their background
- Attitude and nonverbal communication are detailed as employers examine the total package when making hiring and promotion decisions
Enter the Brave
Synopsis for week four conclusion: Networking: what it is and what it is not as practical tips are reviewed for the job seeker
- Self-awareness exercises prompt all to recognize and step out of their comfort zone
- Netiquette: concrete steps one can take to make sure digital communications are professional and appropriate
Week 5
Refresh, Review, Relax
Synopsis for initial two days: Nearing the end of our course, this week is dedicated to reflecting on accomplishments and preparing next steps.
- This is an opportunity to catch up and/or clarify concerns
Beyond the Line
Synopsis for week five conclusion: Concentrating to entering a new journey we examine methods of putting our best foot forward
- Soft skills: what they are, why employers focus on them
- Scripting a 30-second introductory (elevator) speech playing up one’s skills (hard and soft), background, and unique value is focused
Week 6
Today Begins YOUR New Beginning
Synopsis for final week: During the final week, we reinforce methods participants will use to impress from day one by displaying teamwork, a positive attitude, and avoiding common workplace mistakes.
- Participants reflect on obstacles and make plans to conquer them by developing a new normal
- Personal vision statement: bringing together the concepts covered throughout the entire course, participants compose a contract with themselves, committing to stay true to their path and utilize focus and single-mindedness to reach their mountaintop
Final Meeting
Today is dedicated to success, empowerment, and employment
- Graduation!
- Certificate of Completion presented
- Review EPA testing and exam schedule