Extended Award in Work Skills Summary

There are two separate courses for Work Skills, Level 1 and Level 2. You will be guided to the most appropriate level for you based on the grades you achieved at the end of Year 11. In both courses, you will learn about the things that are important to you in a fun and interesting way. Everything that you do will help you to get on with your life without having to rely so much on other people. You will broaden your experiences and get prepared for the next step which might be further education, an apprenticeship or working. The content is varied, mixing classroom and practical activities throughout the week, both at Ashfield and offsite at a local outdoor activity centre. It is mainly centred on teamwork and interpersonal skills, helping you to develop your employability skills. Team projects are a large part of both courses and at Level 2 you will be encouraged to undertake a work placement each week. Each course includes a range of activities, some of which are formally recognised qualifications that will enhance your learning, skills and experiences, making you a more attractive individual to any potential employers and course providers. You will also have the opportunity to re-sit English and maths if necessary.

Entry Requirements

  • N/A

Course Duration

1 years full-time

Specification

BTEC

How you will study

There are no exams. Your teachers will assess all of your work and some of this will be checked by BTEC. Your work (also known as evidence) can be completed in different ways, not all of it written. 

Component breakdown

Unit 1: Considering your own work-related skills and behaviours (what makes you tick?) 

Unit 2: Selecting and applying for a job (Fine tuning your job application skills) 

Unit 4: Developing interview skills (Presenting the best version of you to succeed in your interview) 

Unit 13: Contributing to teamworking in the workplace (designing and creating a functioning shared project) 

Unit 14: Anticipating and meeting customer needs and expectations (Understanding the importance of customer service) 

Unit 18: Being entrepreneurial (business enterprise, market research, promotion and fundraising) 

A qualification in Work Skills provides an excellent foundation to independent living and shows other people that you know your responsibilities towards yourself and others. It will look good on any future CV and you are much more likely to be considered for education or employment interviews. If you achieve Level 1, you may decide that moving up to a Level 2 course is for you. Alternatively, you might want to continue your development through the world of work such as traineeships, apprenticeships, voluntary roles or paid work and this qualification improves your chances of doing so.