Employability
and Work
Skills
Overview
Employability and Work Skills are fundamental for all young people whose ultimate goal is to progress to paid employment. Trainees will participate in workshops with one to one and group discussions, role plays and simulated examples of the employment cycle, including:
- Writing to Employers
- Speculative Approaches to Employers
- CV Writing
- Completing Application Forms
- Telephone Skills
- Selection Tests
- Self Assessment
- Starting a New Job
(* these are modelled after Careers Scotland’s “Steps to Success” programme and will include trainees accessing Careers Scotland online forms)
There are many sources of information on employment opportunities and trainees will be introduced to several “search” techniques including Job Centre, newspapers, Employment Agencies, Online Recruitment Websites etc., as well as considering word-of-mouth referrals and “cold-calling” prospective employers.
Identify Appropriate Job Opportunities
During the project trainees will learn and use a number of different communication techniques, some verbal, some non-verbal and gain an appreciation of the importance of clear and precise information flow.
Using the Careers Scotland “Steps to Success” model, trainees will practice applying for jobs, using CV’s and cover letters and standard Application types. Trainees will also be able to access the Careers Scotland website where they can register an online CV which they can update with their current information.
Trainees will be able to attend “simulated” interviews and practice presentations skills that will help them in an interview situation. Video feedback in one to one and group workshops will provide encouragement and reinforcement of positive behaviours.
Once you have identified a suitable opportunity, applied and attended an interview, there are some common follow up activities to break the “waiting time”. Trainees will practice letters of thanks or follow up telephone calls which may keep your name in the mind of the interviewers.
Getting your job is half the battle, but how do you live up to the high expectations of your employer?
- Be Punctual. Get to work on time
- Be Prepared. Have all the tools and clothing available to use.
- Be Smart. Don’t turn up for work drunk or under the influence of drugs.
- Be Polite.
- Be Honest.
As well as doing all those things that will help keep you in a job, you may want to improve your qualifications and seek promotion. Hard work and dedication will demonstrate you ambition and commitment to an employer and engaging in further education and courses to broaden your knowledge and skill base will provide you with the tools to achieve advancement.
Alternatively, advancement may not be with your current employer and reviewing all of the previous sections will help you to identify new opportunities and make effective applications for new employment.
