Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Total contact hours: 30-96

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Read modified and some authentic materials related to employment area.
• Write a variety of correspondence related to employment.
• Orally communicate effectively in a variety of employment settings.
• Set long term personal and professional goals.
• Identify next steps in their educational and/or professional goals.

The ABE Career Pathways Support Course teaches a variety of job skills while simultaneously 
providing academic support (reading, writing, and presentation skills) for the CTE courses in a specified Career Pathways certificate program for ABS students. This support may include 
instruction in skills and activities that can be adjusted to the requirements of the technical content area. In addition, academic skills will always be taught with the idea of improving reading, writing and professional communication skills. 

Active participation in job readiness development 
Successful completion of all assignments related to the course 
Successful completion of an internship 

Themes and Concepts 
Academic proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communication 
Success in college level courses 
Problem solving 
Goal setting 
Job readiness 
Transition to work 
Cultural awareness 
Personal expression/reflection 
Skills - Reading 
Read, understand, and follow directions 
Use skimming and scanning to find specific information
Develop questions based on readings 
Work in groups to define, analyze, and solve problems 
Use a dictionary and other references 
Read for comprehension under time constraints 
Develop vocabulary 
Read authentic materials related to the field of study, including manuals, directions, and texts 
Skills- Writing 
Grammar Review and Instruction: Phrases and clauses, Verbs and related structures, Other 
parts of speech, Mechanics 
Written Communication: Writing and editing basic paragraphs and short essays, Improvement 
in ability to communicate through emails and letters, Strengthen confidence in written 
communications, Resume and cover letter writing 
Skills –Oral Communication 
Learn conventions of the job interview via mock interviews 
Develop strategies for informational interviews 
Practice effective telephone communication 
Recognize idioms and jargon, especially related to the field of study 
Use academic and professional vocabulary 
Choose appropriate words and word forms 
Recognize and use correct word order most of the time 
Communicate effectively in all tenses 
Participate by contributing and connecting ideas 
 Listen, understand, take notes and follow directions appropriate to the field of study 
Develop discussion skills (asking clarification questions to negotiate meaning, rejoinders, 
confirmation) to participate in job interviews, workplace meetings and small group discussions