Award Level
SCQF levels 3 and 4.
Entry level – what do I need to do it?
There are no prerequisites for entry into the Employability course.
Course Content – what will I learn?
Both Awards consist of two mandatory Units and two optional units. Although only one optional unit is required; pupils normally complete both in order to give them a broad understanding of what is involved in the workplace.
Whether a pupil achieves at SCQF level 3 or SCQF level 4 depends on: the amount of support they receive; their level of participation; their level of understanding; and the complexity of tasks carried out. This is determined by the teacher in consultation with the pupil.
Mandatory Units
Preparing for Employment: First Steps
Pupils look at their existing skills and experience, and how these might apply to work. They also consider the sort of employment they would like, what they would like to get from work, and what sort of job will deliver that.
Building Your Employability Skills
Pupils consider the types of employment which may suit their particular skills and qualities. They practise the skills needed to find employment, such as contacting employers, interviews, filling in application forms, and writing a CV.
Optional Units
Responsibilities of Employment
Pupils consider the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers, such as health and safety, wages and payslips, trade unions, and employment legislation.
Dealing with Work Situations
Pupils consider where potential conflict may arise and how to deal with this in a professional manner, including conflict resolution, dealing with awkward customers, and role playing scenarios.
Teaching methods – what will I do?
The course is accessed via Microsoft Teams and OneNote. Teaching methods include a mixture of in-class discussions, written questions, presentations, group work, independent research and role-play scenarios. The course also has input from Mr Conway, the school careers advisor (Skills Development Scotland) and Mrs Phillips, our Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) coordinator.
Assessment
There is no formal examination for this course. Assessment is via pupil portfolio on a Pass/Fail basis.
Homework
Pupils are expected to complete a small amount of homework on a regular basis, usually independent research and presentation on a specific employability-based topic. Homework is posted via Assignments on the class Team page.
Progression
Employability is not offered by the SQA beyond SCQF level 4; however, pupils may progress laterally to one of the Wider Achievement courses.
