Grow your career: employability East Coast College Grow your career: employability

What makes a person employable? In this session we are going too: Define what we mean by employable Discover the skills that make a person employable Look at ‘soft skills’ rather than qualifications Learn ways to develop these important skills

Employability What do you think it means?

Employability what is meant by this term? Definition: “A set of attributes, skills and knowledge that all labour market participants should possess to ensure they have the capability of being effective in the workplace – to the benefit of themselves, their employer and the wider economy.” (CBI, March 2009).

What is an ‘employable’ person? Employability is an abstract concept. An employable person is not necessarily someone who has a job. They may be employed, seeking employment, or not seeking work at all. Its about having the qualities which make them potentially good for employment

What skills make a person employable? Activity: In pairs, work together to list the important skills that would make you attractive to an employer Feedback to group discussion

What employability skills are employers looking for? Communication Enthusiasm/passion Self awareness Capacity to develop Problem solving Drive and resilience Team working Adaptability Numeracy Initiative Reliability Cultural awareness Confidence Energy Positive attitude Reflection

How can you develop these skills? Activity: In the same pairs discuss the ways in which these qualities could be gained Feedback to the group

Have a think about… Which important employability skills can be gained from: Becoming a Student Governor, Student Ambassador or Course Rep Volunteering Working part time or finding seasonal work in the holidays Taking a Gap Year Keeping fit and maintaining a healthy diet Excellent college attendance and concentration on studies Hobbies and interests

Useful websites National Careers Service – has useful information about employability www.do-it.org - local volunteering opportunities www.jobs24.co.uk - part time work www.projecttrust.co.uk - gap year abroad for under 19s www.volunteerics.org - gap year abroad for 18-25s