First Job Survival Skills - Unit 1

The First Job Survival Skills Level 1 by Stanfield Company is an essential program for educators preparing students to enter the workforce. Designed for learners ages 16 and up – including those with developmental, learning, and emotional disabilities – this program teaches the critical soft skills that employers say matter most during the first 90 days on the job.

Research consistently shows that new employees are most likely to be let go during their probationary period – not because they lack technical ability, but because they struggle with workplace behavior, communication, and professionalism. Level 1 directly addresses this gap.

With six comprehensive modules covering everything from work ethic and workplace manners to interview skills and integrity, your students will build a strong foundation for career success. Each module uses video modeling to show real workplace scenarios – both positive examples and common mistakes – so students can see exactly what employers expect.

The program emphasizes the importance of professionalism, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and workplace safety. Each module comes with a detailed teacher’s guide, structured activities, and discussion prompts that make it easy to integrate into your existing transition or career-readiness curriculum.

Whether your students are headed toward competitive employment, supported employment, or vocational training, First Job Survival Skills Level 1 gives them the practical knowledge they need to make a strong first impression and keep their job.

The First Job Survival Skills Level 1 program focuses on teaching your students what their bosses are looking for in new hires – and in employees who will last a lifetime at a company.

The lessons cover topics such as proper work ethic, personal habits, workplace manners, and how to please the boss.

A Positive Work Ethic

The first module focuses on teaching students about proper work ethic and how their personal habits affect work performance. Your students will learn the importance of giving their best efforts and being prepared for work every day. They will also understand the significance of a boss’ opinion in a work setting.

This module offers 33 minutes of instruction divided into three parts and comes with a teacher’s guide. It provides teachers with the necessary tools to discuss and emphasize the importance of always giving 100%, developing personal habits that enhance work performance, and coming prepared to work every day.

Workplace Manners and Boundaries

The second module teaches students good workplace manners, overall conduct, and disposition. It focuses on the fact that behavior can be more important than experience in the workplace.

This module contains 55 minutes of instruction divided into three parts and comes with a teacher’s guide.

It emphasizes topics such as respecting personal space, controlling emotions at work, workplace conduct, and professionalism.

Learning & Doing the Job

This section highlights the importance of listening to instructions, asking questions, and being honest about abilities. Students must understand that their employer values their willingness to learn and grow.

By asking questions, students can clarify their instructions to receive better results. Moreover, being honest about personal abilities can help employers identify areas for improvement and provide appropriate training.

Students will also learn how to accept criticism and be organized – and ultimately, going the extra mile to exceed expectations.

No Whining, No Excuses

The next part of this program focuses on responsibility and accountability in the workplace. Students will learn not to complain, blame others, or make excuses.

After all, employers want someone who takes responsibility for their mistakes and completes tasks to the best of their ability. This program will teach them to avoid excuses, avoid blame displacement, and be a team player – all skills that are vital for success in the workplace.

Integrity at Work 

This module covers the importance of honesty and integrity in the workplace. In just 56 minutes of instruction, students will learn that stealing, lying, and breaking promises will all lead to termination.

It teaches important values that will not only make you a valuable employee but also a better person in general. You’ll learn how to build trust with your colleagues and superiors, which is essential to succeeding in any job.

The Interview: Getting Your Foot in the Door

This module consists of 58 minutes of instruction and covers topics such as appropriate appearance/attire, body language, and presenting a positive attitude.

Students will learn that the interview starts the moment they enter the employer’s door, and their appearance, maturity, and appropriate body language will help them “win the interview.”

With this module, you’ll be able to enter any interview with confidence, knowing that you have the skills and knowledge to present yourself in the best possible light

We all know how important it is to start building careers early, especially when students are fresh out of high school. However, starting a new job can be intimidating and stressful, which is why the First Job Survival Skills Level 1 by Stanfield Company is such an important program to teach to your students.

This volume will teach them the necessary job skills the boss is looking for in a new employee, as well as how to avoid common pitfalls. With six modules in Unit 1, your students will be well-prepared to enter the workforce and thrive in their first job.

This program can help your students build confidence and be successful in any workplace. With its student-focused approach, tailored specifically to students with disabilities, this program should be considered by educators and administrators looking to help prepare their students for the workforce.

The video modeling approach ensures lessons stick – students remember what they see. By watching relatable workplace scenarios, they internalize the behaviors that lead to success and recognize the mistakes that lead to termination. Educators report that students frequently reference these videos long after the lessons are complete.

Available as part of Stanfield+ – $999/year for 60+ programs with a 30-day free trial.