EMPLOYABILITY.ppt

EMPLOYABILITY Making it work in Higher National Certificates and Diplomas Employability – what is it? “...the combination of factors and processes which enable people to progress towards, or get into employment, to stay in employment and to move on in the workplace…” (Scottish Executive 2006) “…the possession by an individual of the qualities and competences required to meet the changing needs of employers and customers and thereby help to realise his or her aspirations and potential in work..” (CBI, 1999) “…a set of achievements- skills, understandings and attributes - that make individuals more likely to gain employment and be successful in their chosen occupations…” (Learning to Work – SFC 2004) Where do colleges fit in? Major providers of vocational education Partnerships with employers and HE Extensive experience in delivery of core skills Awareness of ‘soft skills’ Flexibility in approach Revised HN – the opportunities? More holistic assessment Greater number of generic units Graded Unit SCQF levelling Opportunities to develop Core Skills Updating of vocational relevance Collaboration between QDTs Continuation of QSTs Revised HN – the threats More difficult to find placements/work experience Frameworks haven’t all embedded employability at the design stage Staff workload Staff development required Sourcing appropriate materials What can colleges do? Devise a college strategy Carry out an employability audit Deliver staff development Amend frameworks Encourage innovative use of materials/units Develop repositories of relevant materials Raise student awareness and understanding Think and act ‘outside the box’ EMPLOYABILITY QUIZ  TRUE or FALSE? Students understand what employability is and what they have to do to get and keep a job. Work experience/placements are vital for giving students employability skills. Employability is about addressing the agenda of the current government. Employability skills are demanded by employers and are essential to g