Employability Skills, Entrepreneurship and Communication
Communication at work
A technician must write a clear complaint, give a handover, explain a fault to a customer without jargon, and record measurements. In an interview, use the STAR pattern (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and give specific examples from practical work. Maintain a simple CV with trade, tools known, safety training and project details.
Entrepreneurship basics
- Identify a local need: domestic wiring repairs, motor rewinding, panel wiring or solar installation.
- Survey demand, competitors and pricing.
- Prepare a business plan: investment, monthly expenses, break-even and projected income.
- Register the business (Udyam), obtain GST if turnover requires it, and keep invoices, warranties and test certificates.
- Quote in writing with scope, exclusions, payment terms and validity.
Worked example
Quote for a small shop wiring job: material ₹8,000; labour 2 workers × 3 days × ₹600 = ₹3,600; total ₹11,600. Add 15% overhead and profit = ₹1,740; subtotal ₹13,340; GST at 18% = ₹2,401; total ₹15,741. State that the quote excludes the earthing pit and supply authority charges.
Traps
Giving only a verbal estimate, underquoting labour, and promising a completion date without checking material availability. Mixing personal and business money and ignoring warranty obligations also cause failure.