Core Abilities

Historically, in many career and technical education programs, the focus has been on technical topics specific to the occupational area.  Today’s fast-paced global marketplace is demanding more, and “soft skills” are emerging in importance.  In today’s global workforce, soft skills are more directly related to professional success than ever before. 

The faculty of Blackhawk Technical College has identified seven related topics of soft skills, or “core abilities” that are crucial to success both during school and after graduation. Core abilities are skills and competencies that will enable students to be successful in the workforce. These essential skills are taught across programs and departments so that each Blackhawk Technical College student can expect to work towards improving and applying these critical soft skills and core abilities regardless of their program of choice.

Communicate Professionally

• Demonstrate communication standards specific to occupational area

• Write professionally

• Speak professionally

• Interpret professional documents

• Demonstrate critical listening skills

• Communicate using professional non-verbal behavior

Use Appropriate Technology

• Select equipment, tools, and resources to produce desired results

• Demonstrate proper and safe usage of equipment

• Demonstrate occupational specific computer skills

• Adapt to new technology

• Use security measures to protect confidentiality

Work Effectively in Teams

• Participate in identifying team goals

• Respect the contributions and perspectives of all members

• Work with others

• Complete assigned tasks

• Motivate team members

• Resolve conflicts

• Assess team outcomes

Demonstrate Professional Work Behavior

• Follow policies and procedures

• Meet attendance expectations

• Manage time effectively

• Dress appropriately

• Accept constructive feedback

• Take initiative

• Work productively

• Be accountable

• Demonstrate organization/prioritization skills

• Demonstrate effective customer service skills

• Transfer learning from one context to another

• Adapt to change

Show Respect for Diversity

• Interact with diverse groups respectfully

• Treat everyone without bias

• Seek information when necessary to interact effectively with others

• Adapt to diverse situations

• Demonstrate respect and common courtesy

Solve Problems Efficiently

• Identify a problem to be solved

• Select an appropriate problem-solving methodology

• Recognize and gather relevant information

• Apply mathematical reasoning

• Utilize appropriate resources

• Recognize when to change direction if needed

• Recognize when the process is complete

Lead by Example

• Recognize leadership qualities in others

• Demonstrate legal and ethical standards of practice

• Create and share a vision

• Develop and implement a plan to accomplish a goal

• Manage conflict, pressure, and change with constructive strategies

• Be a colleague/peer others can depend on

• Acquire the knowledge needed for success

• Bring passion and energy to your work/project

• Take risks when necessary or appropriate