Lesson Plan
Future You Reflection
Students will engage in a guided class discussion to explore major construction trades, identify the core skills each requires, and connect those skills to their own strengths and interests.
Understanding real-world roles and required skills in construction trades builds relevance for CTE students, sparks career curiosity, and highlights pathways they can pursue.
Audience
9th Grade Career Technical Education Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Whole-class discussion with real-world examples.
Materials
- Projector or Screen, and - Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review key construction trades (e.g., carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- Prepare 4–5 guiding discussion prompts on the whiteboard or slides
- Arrange seating in a circle or U-shape to foster open dialogue
Step 1
Introduction & Objectives
5 minutes
- Share lesson objectives on screen or board
- Explain that today’s focus is on learning about construction trades and the skills they require
- Emphasize the value of discussion and real-world connections
Step 2
Overview of Construction Trades
10 minutes
- Briefly define each trade (carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- For each, ask: “What tasks do you think this trade performs?”
- Record student responses on the whiteboard
- Highlight the variety of roles and career options in each trade
Step 3
Skills Discussion
10 minutes
- Pose the question: “What skills are essential in a construction environment?”
- Guide students to mention safety awareness, teamwork, technical aptitude, problem-solving, communication
- For each skill, ask:
• Why is this skill important on a job site?
• Which of these skills do you already have? How did you develop it?
• Which skills would you like to strengthen this year?
Step 4
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
5 minutes
- Summarize the key skills
Slide Deck
Future You Reflection
Welcome to your first career reflection activity! Today, you’ll explore your skills, interests, and long-term goals to see how your classroom learning connects to future careers.
Welcome students! Introduce today’s activity: a self-reflection to connect personal strengths and interests with future career paths. Emphasize that honest self-assessment is key to informed decisions.
Objectives
• Reflect on 3 personal skills
• Identify 2 interests that excite you
• Define 1 long-term career goal
• Share insights with a partner and the class
Read each objective aloud. Explain how reflecting on skills and goals can guide project choices and boost motivation.
Individual Reflection
• Grab your Future You Reflection Worksheet
• List 3 personal skills (e.g., problem-solving, creativity)
• Note 2 interests (e.g., robotics, graphic design)
• Write 1 long-term career goal
Distribute the worksheet now. Remind students to be specific (e.g., “leadership,” “video editing”). Circulate to support.
Pair Share
• Pair up with a classmate
• Share one personal skill and related interest
• Ask a clarifying question (Why? How?)
• Jot notes on your index card
Once pairs form, encourage active listening. Prompt students to ask one follow-up question each.
Group Debrief
Discussion Questions:
• What common skills did you hear?
• Which interests linked to possible careers?
• How can our class activities help build these skills?
Professional Settings:
• Which of these skills are most valued in professional environments?
• How could you demonstrate or apply one of these skills in a real workplace?
• What steps can you take in class to strengthen a skill employers value most?
Lead the whole-class discussion. Pose each question and call on volunteers. Highlight recurring themes and relate to CTE pathways.
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
• Key takeaways: self-awareness drives goal setting
• File your completed worksheet in your portfolio
• Next: Dive into specific career pathways and projects
Summarize today’s reflections. Explain that worksheets go into their career portfolios. Preview the next lesson on exploring specific technical careers.
Worksheet
Future You Reflection Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ________________ Class: ________________
Skills Word Bank
• Problem-solving
• Creativity
• Leadership
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Critical thinking
• Organization
• Initiative
1. Personal Skills
List 3 personal skills (use the word bank above or add your own):
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
Reflection:
Choose one skill above. Why is this skill important to you?
2. Interests
List 2 interests that excite you (e.g., robotics, graphic design):
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. Long-Term Career Goal
Write one long-term career goal:
Reflection:
How does this goal connect to your skills and interests?
4. Next Steps
List 2 actions you can take this semester to move toward your career goal:
2. ____________________________________________________________
Keep this worksheet in your career portfolio. We’ll revisit your reflections as you explore technical pathways and projects in class!
Warm Up
Skill Snapshot Warm-Up
Take 3 minutes to reflect on what you’ve learned in shop this week.
- What are TWO NEW skills you learned in shop this week?
2. Why do you think these skills are important in this shop?
Be ready to share your responses with a partner when time is up!
Cool Down
Reflection Exit Ticket
Name: ____________________________ Date: ________________ Class: ____________
1. What is one personal skill or interest you reflected on today?
______________________________________________________________
2. How will this insight help you succeed in our CTE class?
3. What is one action step you commit to taking this week to move toward your career goal?
4. On a scale of 1–5, how confident do you feel about your career goal after today’s reflection?
Circle one: 1 2 3 4 5
Thank you for your thoughtful responses! We’ll use your feedback to shape upcoming activities and support your goals.
Worksheet
Exploratory Shop Reflection Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ________________ Shop: ____________________ Time: 20 minutes
Shop Skill Examples
Below are example skills for each exploratory shop. Refer to these as you reflect:
• Auto Body: sanding techniques, panel alignment, paint mixing
• Auto Technology: engine diagnostics, brake system repair, electrical troubleshooting
• Business Technology: spreadsheet creation, database management, customer service
• Drafting & Design: CAD modeling, blueprint reading, technical drawing
• Design & Visual: graphic design, color theory, layout composition
• Dental Assisting: sterilization procedures, chairside assisting, X-ray imaging
• Early Childhood Education: lesson planning, behavior management, communication
• Electrical: wiring installation, circuit testing, conduit bending
• Heating & Ventilation (HVAC): ductwork layout, system maintenance, thermostat calibration
• Health Assisting: vital sign measurement, patient communication, record-keeping
• Metal Fabrication: welding, metal cutting, blueprint interpretation
• Plumbing: pipe fitting, leak detection, code compliance
• Robotics: programming, sensor calibration, troubleshooting
• STEM: scientific experimentation, data analysis, project design
1. New Skills Reflection
- What are TWO NEW skills you learned in shop this week?
• Skill 1: ____________________________________________________________
• Skill 2: ____________________________________________________________
- For each skill above, explain why you think it is important in that shop:
• Skill 1 Importance:
• Skill 2 Importance:
2. Word Bank
Choose at least three terms from the word bank below and underline or circle them in your answers above.
• Safety procedures
• Blueprint
• Precision
• Innovation
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Professionalism
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Technical skills
• Leadership
• Employability skills
• Problem-solving
• Work ethic
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration
3. Discussion Questions
Form small groups of 3–4. Be ready to discuss and write brief notes on each question:
- Which one of the skills you learned this week do you think is most transferable to other shops or careers? Why?
- How can you continue to practice or improve this skill during future shop rotations or at home?
- How might mastering this skill help you reach your long-term career or educational goals?
Keep this worksheet in your portfolio. We’ll revisit your reflections and track your growth throughout the exploratory program!