The POWER of the Portfolio... It’s Time to Take CHARGE!

As a participant of the National Training Institute you will create a professional portfolio as a continuing part of your professional instructor experience.

FAQ

What is the portfolio and why do I need it?

A portfolio is a collection of items that document a professional’s career. There are many times that it is important to have such a collection. A portfolio can be used to demonstrate expertise to apprentices you are instructing, training directors and accreditation teams, just to name a few. For the next four years during your time at the National Training Institute, you will be developing your own professional portfolio.
Your portfolio will allow you to make the critical connections between crafts person and instructor. Your portfolio will:

• Demonstrates your professional experience both as a craftsman and as an instructor
• Make a connection between what you learn at NTI and how you apply it in your classroom.
• Let you re-evaluate your classroom performance to become a better instructor
• Keep you organized
• Keep you on track in your professional growth

How do I get started?

Your portfolio will begin with year one and will continue through year four. Items for the portfolio will include assignments created and revised as part of the NTI courses, as well as other trade and career related documents. “Connecting activities” will be completed between each year and are critical components of the portfolio. In addition, you can include items deemed appropriate by you or your NTI instructors that relate to the individual sections of the portfolio.

What will the finished product be?

When you graduate from this program, your professional portfolio will be a compilation of all of the competencies critical to your success as a craftsman and top-notch instructor. It will include items such as your resume and other professional documents, sample lesson plans, learning modules, philosophy statements, educational transcripts, technical completion certificates and your diploma as a graduate of the National Training Institute. You already have many of these items. Other documents will be developed over the course of your time at the NTI. You will see your portfolio come to life over the next few years, but it will begin to take shape immediately!

Can I see an example of what the Portfolio will look like when finished?

Yes, here is a sample Portfolio you can download. Download the .pdf version

Can I view the PowerPoint Presentation that was shown at the portfolio seminar?

Absolutely! Download the .pdf version.

What will be required for each year?

Most of the requirements were completed during the summer portion of NTI, with just a few additional activities to complete as the year unfolds. We call these “connecting activities.” Click here to view and print a copy of the NTI Portfolio Requirements Matrix.

How do I keep up with the portfolio activities between the summer sessions?

The key is to stay organized and to have a plan. Click on the links below to open the Schedule of Related Activities.

• First Year – Schedule of Related Activities
• Second Year – Schedule of Related Activities
• Third Year – Schedule of Related Activities
• Fourth Year – Schedule of Related Activities

Assignments and templates

During the summer portion of the NTI, you will be given assignments that will need to be updated, revised, or completed during the year between summer NTI classes. You will find templates below that can be used for these purposes. Most of the templates are in Microsoft Word format so that you can type directly on the documents that you download. It is advisable to download the document to a folder on your computer that is exclusively set up to store NTI portfolio materials.

FIRST YEAR

• Reflections on Year One
• Personal Philosophy of Apprenticeship Training
• Career Summary
• Application of Laws of Learning

SECOND YEAR

• Course 20 Portfolio Assignments
• Course 21 Portfolio Assignments
• Reflections on Year Two

THIRD YEAR

• Course 30 Portfolio Assignments
• Course 32 Portfolio Assignments
• Reflections on Year Three

FOURTH YEAR

• Course 41 Portfolio Assignments
• Course 42 Portfolio Assignments
• Reflections on Year Four

Special note for Second Year students who have not begun their portfolio and who have not attended a portfolio seminar at NTII.

If you are a Second-Year student who has not begun a portfolio and have not attended a portfolio seminar at NTI, you will be expected to quickly get caught up with the portfolio project. You should begin by reviewing the materials on this website. The recommended plan of action includes:

• View the Developing a Professional Portfolio presentation.
• Read each section of this webpage.
• Complete each of the activities found in the “Assignments and Templates” section of this website.
• If possible, consult with other Second Year students who have begun their portfolio. Take a look at their portfolios and ask them to share ideas with you. Check with your Training Director for possible contacts.
• Place your materials in a two-inch, three ring binder, using the organizational scheme described in the Portfolio presentation.
• Bring your portfolio to NTI.