Basic 9 · Career Technology · Term Preparation
Preparing for the Term in Career Technology
In this topic you will prepare for the term by recalling your practical skills and exploring how Career Technology links with careers, safety, tools and materials.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Recall key ideas on health, safety, tools and materials
- Explain the link between Career Technology and the world of work
- Plan a safe practical project
What you already know
- Tools, materials and safety (Basic 8)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Health & Safety
- Sub-strand
- Term Preparation
Introduction
In a few months you will choose a path for senior high school or technical training. The skills you develop in Career Technology can help you to make that choice wisely.
1. What Is Career Technology?
Career Technology combines knowledge and practical skills from several areas, including home economics, technical skills and entrepreneurship. It teaches you to use tools and materials safely, to care for yourself and your environment, and to make useful products. It is also called pre-vocational training, as it gives you a taste of trades and professions. In Ghana, many well-paid and respected people began with skills like sewing, catering, carpentry, masonry or electrical work.
2. Skills You Bring Forward
| Area | What you have learned |
|---|---|
| health and safety | hygiene, first aid, safe working |
| materials | fabrics, foods, wood, metal and plastics |
| tools | measuring, cutting and joining |
| design | sketching and planning |
| entrepreneurship | costing and selling |
3. Pathways After Basic 9
| Pathway | Examples |
|---|---|
| senior high school | General Arts, Science, Business, Home Economics |
| technical institutes | building, electrical, automotive and catering |
| TVET training | fashion, welding, hairdressing and ICT |
| apprenticeship | learning a trade from a master craftsperson |
The Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training oversees TVET in Ghana. A TVET path can lead to diplomas and degrees, so it does not close off higher education. Many employers want people with practical skills, and many trained artisans go on to run their own businesses.
4. The Right Attitude
Skills alone are not enough. Employers look for people who are punctual, honest, reliable and willing to learn. In the workshop, these qualities show in how you look after tools, follow instructions and support others. A person who keeps their work area tidy and finishes tasks on time will earn trust. Begin to build this reputation now. It will help you in whatever work you do.
5. Finding Out About Careers
Talk to people who work in jobs that interest you. Ask what training they had, what a normal day is like and what they enjoy. Your school counsellor can also explain senior high school and technical programmes before you choose.
New words
- pre-vocational
- Preparing for a trade or profession.
- TVET
- Technical and vocational education and training.
- apprenticeship
- Learning a trade under a skilled worker.
- artisan
- A skilled manual worker.
Summary
- Career Technology builds practical skills and good attitudes.
- Paths after B.E.C.E. include SHS, TVET and apprenticeship.
- Reliability and honesty matter as much as skills.
Class activity: Career Map
- List three careers that you are interested in.
- Find the training needed for each one.
- Share your findings with a partner.
You need: Safety goggles, Tape measure, Kente fabric offcut
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Learning a trade under a skilled worker is…
- A. apprenticeship
- B. retirement
- C. a vacation
- D. a tax
Show answer
Answer: apprenticeshipTrade.2. TVET stands for…
- A. technical and vocational education and training
- B. teaching vocational exams and tests
- C. total value of trade
- D. tools and equipment training
Show answer
Answer: technical and vocational education and trainingTerm.3. TVET can lead to higher education.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TruePathway.4. A skilled manual worker is an ______.
Show answer
Answer: artisanTrade.5. State three qualities that employers look for.
Show answer
Answer: Punctuality, honesty and willingness to learn.Any three.6. Why is TVET a valuable pathway?
Show answer
Answer: It gives practical skills for jobs or for running a business, and it can lead to higher study.Careers.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Health & Safety
- Sub-strand
- Term Preparation
Introduction
In a kitchen or a workshop, one careless moment can cause a serious injury. Every practical lesson starts with safety.
1. General Safety Rules
- Enter the workshop only when a teacher is present.
- Wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment.
- Keep long hair and loose clothing tied back.
- Use each tool only for its proper purpose.
- Never run or play in a workshop or kitchen.
- Report accidents and damaged tools immediately.
- Clean your work area when you finish.
2. What We Will Study
| Theme | Topics |
|---|---|
| health and safety | grooming, food hygiene, reporting accidents, PPE, sanitation |
| environmental health | clean energy and improved stoves |
| materials | compliant, resistant, smart and modern materials |
| tools | measuring and marking out |
3. A Simple Project Plan
A practical project should begin on paper. Start with the need: what should the product do, and who will use it? Sketch several ideas, and choose the best. List your materials and tools. Write down your steps in order. Note any dangers and how you will reduce them. Then estimate the cost. For instance, a learner who plans to sew a small bag might list fabric, thread, a needle, scissors and a tape measure, and then state that sharp tools must be used carefully and put away.
4. Risk Assessment
Risk assessment: Identifying dangers and deciding how to reduce them.
| Hazard | Risk | Control |
|---|---|---|
| sharp knife | cuts | cut away from the body, and use a board |
| hot oil | burns | keep the handle turned in, and do not leave it |
| wet floor | slips | wipe it up immediately |
| sawdust | breathing problems | wear a dust mask |
A hazard is something that can cause harm, and a risk is the chance that it will. Good workers think about hazards before they begin. It takes only a minute, and it can prevent an injury that lasts a lifetime.
New words
- hazard
- Something that can cause harm.
- risk
- The chance of harm occurring.
- control
- A step taken to reduce risk.
- PPE
- Personal protective equipment.
Summary
- Safety rules apply in all practical work.
- Projects start with a need and a written plan.
- Risk assessment reduces danger.
Class activity: Risk Check
- Inspect a work area at school.
- List three hazards.
- Suggest a control for each one.
You need: Safety goggles, Tape measure, Kente fabric offcut
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Something that can cause harm is a…
- A. hazard
- B. tool
- C. project
- D. plan
Show answer
Answer: hazardSafety.2. Which is a control for sawdust?
- A. wearing a dust mask
- B. running
- C. eating
- D. closing the eyes
Show answer
Answer: wearing a dust maskPPE.3. Accidents should be reported immediately.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueRule.4. PPE stands for personal ______ equipment.
Show answer
Answer: protectiveSafety.5. List four things to include in a project plan.
Show answer
Answer: The need, materials, steps and dangers.Any four.6. Explain the difference between hazard and risk.
Show answer
Answer: A hazard can cause harm, and risk is the chance that it will.Definitions.
Homework
- Carry out a risk check of your kitchen at home.