Employability and Workplace Learning
In 2004 Future Skills Scotland reported that Shetland Employers had identified a number of skills gaps in the workforce.
They identified significant skills gaps in communications, basic IT, numeracy and literacy, problem solving and team working. These skills are collectively known as Core Skills and they underpin Employability. Employability also includes soft skills such as time keeping and attitudes to work.
Over the past couple of year's Adult Learning has been increasing the amount of work done in this area. Our approach is to tailor programmes to meet individual needs, to make courses relevant and interactive.
Over the past 18 months we have provided employabilty courses for:
- Offenders
- Young people
- Migrant workers (who are working at a level lower than their initial qualifications)
- Unemployed people
Changing Scenes
Changing Scenes was an innovative project supported by learndirect, Jobcentre plus and the Highland Coalition. A group of unemployed adults was referred to Adult Learning by Jobcentre plus. The focus of the project was developing employability through making films. The course incorporated learndirect learning bytes and involved visits from employers and Careers staff. The group made a film and launched it locally and gained an award at a ceremony in Inverness. You can view the film at http://www.changingscenes.co.uk
Individual Support for Job Seeking and Applications
The Shetland Islands Council signposts potential employees to Adult Learning and Careers if they need help with application forms. Adult Learning supports individuals to understand the requirements of the application process and with intereview skills by appointment. Over the past year a number of people we have supported have got into work with the Council.
Workplace Learning
Adult Learning staff also work with people who are already in work, but who need to improve their core skills in communication, IT and Numeracy. Return to Learn is a course geared to helping support workers to develop confidence and skills to go on to complete a Scottish Vocational Qualifcation in Care, a requirement for their work.
What learners Returning to learn said
"Definitely builds up your confidence, definitely helpful"
"We had a staff meeting about two weeks ago and I think I did quite good. My boss said "Oh you are more confident and calm"
"I take more interest in computers, like especially at work. Before I had to ask other people and be like 'oh god can you come and help me to - ' so this is great"
"everything was excellent. I was lucky to have really good people here who helped and showed me how. At the start I didn't think I could do it. More confident to write in English"
