Professional Development Program

An employment skills program for vocational-technical students

Advisor’s Overview – SkillsUSA Professional Development Program

The SkillsUSA Professional Development Program (PDP) is a non-competitive, skill-building program for SkillsUSA members.

PDP gives instructors a practical vehicle for integrating employment skills into any vocational-technical program. Students are recognized for individual achievement as they develop professional and occupational skills. PDP also opens doors for the involvement of local employers in student understanding, development and evaluation.

PDP’s strength lies in its flexibility. The program can be used as an individual study course or as part of a traditional group instruction method of teaching. It can be integrated into the curriculum according to your schedule and the individual needs of your students.

The PDP Program is designed to teach skills that will help students make a smooth transition from school to the world of work. The program is based on competencies that have been determined by business and industry representatives to be important to success on the job.

Skills covered in the program include personal awareness, goal setting, community service, career awareness, communication skills, basic knowledge of government, and interaction with business and industry.

As the student completes each section he/she is awarded with a Certificate of Completion and an optional pin/patch.
The curriculum is complete* with the exception of technical program competencies. Individual technical program instructors supply a list of competencies that the student must master to complete the level.

(*A SkillsUSA handbook is also required to complete many sections.)

The PDP Advisor’s Guide includes information for implementing the program, teaching strategies for individual and group instruction, model assignment sheets, transparency masters, strategies for special needs students, and suggestions for working with advisory committees.

American Degree – Level 5 Requirements

  • Develop and make a presentation promoting your career choice
  • Reassess and analyze your entry-level job skills using Total Quality Management tools
  • Maximize customer service opportunities
  • Design and present a lesson plan on an aspect of your career choice
  • Write a professional paper or develop a team report on one aspect of your career area
  • Refine your employment portfolio
  • Demonstrate proficiency in entry-level job skills

International Degree – Level 6 Requirements

  • Verify 960 hours of employment
  • List job duties and functions
  • Create an organizational chart
  • Write a plan for professional development
  • Study your trade as practiced abroad
  • Join SkillsUSA Alumni
  • Participate in a civic organization
  • Participate in 2 community service projects