School Counselors, Tool Box
Individual Plan of Study
Examples, Trades that are available thru Individual Plan of Study.
Individual Plan of Study (IPS): Architecture & Construction Career Cluster
Primary Focus: NCCER-Aligned Construction with emphasis on Heavy Equipment Operations (HEO) Related Trades: Electrical, Masonry, HVAC, and Plumbing Overview: This IPS aligns with Kansas CTE standards in the Architecture & Construction cluster, emphasizing NCCER’s modular curriculum. NCCER Core (Basic Safety, Tools, Blueprints, Math, Employability) serves as the foundation, required before craft-specific levels. The plan builds progressive skills from exploration in middle school to industry-recognized credentials in high school, preparing for postsecondary options like technical college (e.g., WSU Tech in Wichita), apprenticeships, or direct entry-level employment in construction.
| Grade | Objectives | Suggested Courses/Activities | Key Milestones/Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 (Exploration & Awareness) | • Identify careers in construction, focusing on heavy equipment operators and related trades (electrical, masonry, HVAC, plumbing). • Understand basic workplace safety and OSHA-10 principles. • Apply basic math (fractions, measurements) to real-world scenarios. • Explore personal interests via career surveys and hands-on intro activities. | • Core academics: English, Pre-Algebra, Science, Social Studies. • Exploratory: Introduction to Industrial Technology or STEM elective. • Activities: Career interest inventory (e.g., via Xello or Naviance), guest speakers from local construction firms, basic tool demonstrations. | • Complete initial career interest survey. • Begin IPS documentation with construction cluster interest. |
| 8 (Deeper Exploration & Planning) | • Compare roles in heavy equipment operations vs. related trades. • Learn basic construction materials, hand/power tools, and measurement. • Introduce blueprint reading and site layout concepts. • Refine IPS based on interests, setting high school course goals. | • Core academics: English, Algebra I (or prep), Science, Social Studies. • Exploratory: Woods/Construction Intro, Drafting/CAD basics, or CTE wheel. • Activities: Field trips to construction sites, intro safety modules (pre-NCCER), job shadowing previews. | • Updated IPS with construction pathway selected. • Possible OSHA-10 Youth Safety certification intro. |
| 9 (Introductory Level) | • Master foundational construction skills and safety. • Complete NCCER Core curriculum. • Explore heavy equipment basics (e.g., via simulators) and intro modules from related trades. • Apply algebra/geometry to construction math problems. | • Core academics: English I, Algebra I, Biology, History/Government. • CTE: Introduction to Construction (NCCER Core-aligned), PE/Health. • Electives: Drafting or Technical Drawing. | • NCCER Core certification. • OSHA-10 Construction certification. • IPS review with counselor. |
| 10 (Technical Level – HEO Focus) | • Develop entry-level heavy equipment operation skills (dozers, excavators, loaders). • Begin NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Level 1. • Gain exposure to related trades via intro modules (e.g., basic electrical wiring, masonry laying, HVAC systems, plumbing fixtures). • Strengthen science applications (physics of forces, loads). | • Core academics: English II, Geometry, Chemistry/Physics intro, U.S. History. • CTE: Heavy Equipment Operations I (NCCER Level 1), Construction Trades rotation. • Electives: Welding or Advanced Drafting. | • NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Level 1 credential. • Begin portable credential wallet (NCCER Registry). |
| 11 (Advanced Technical Level) | • Advance HEO skills in grading, trenching, and site work. • Complete NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Level 2. • Deepen one related trade (choose: Electrical Level 1, Masonry Level 1, HVAC Level 1, or Plumbing Level 1). • Participate in work-based learning for real-site experience. | • Core academics: English III, Algebra II, Physics, Economics. • CTE: Heavy Equipment Operations II (NCCER Level 2), selected trade elective. • Work-Based: Job shadowing or internship at local construction/heavy equipment firm. | • NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Level 2 credential. • Additional Level 1 in chosen related trade. • Work-based learning hours logged. |
| 12 (Application/Capstone Level) | • Master advanced HEO operations and leadership on sites. • Complete NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Level 3 (if available). • Earn credentials in primary and one secondary trade. • Prepare portfolio, resume, and postsecondary/apprenticeship applications. • Gain supervised operational hours. | • Core academics: English IV, advanced Math/Science electives, Government. • CTE: Heavy Equipment Operations Capstone/Advanced, Internship. • Work-Based: Paid/unpaid internship, co-op, or pre-apprenticeship. | • NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Levels 1-3 credentials. • Pathway completer status (multiple credentials). • Portfolio with certifications, ready for employment or postsecondary (e.g., WSU Tech HEO program or union apprenticeship). |
Postsecondary Recommendations:
- Technical college (e.g., WSU Tech Heavy Equipment Operator or Construction Trades programs).
- Registered apprenticeship (e.g., through local unions for operating engineers, electricians, plumbers).
- Military construction roles or direct employment with NCCER credentials.
This plan is flexible—review and adjust annually with counselors, family, and mentors based on progress and interests. It supports Kansas graduation requirements while maximizing CTE concentrator/completer status for scholarships and priority enrollment.