Skills into Employment

1Introduction

Introduction

Build the skills you need bylearning direct from the professionals

PEARSON IN PRACTICE

Developing Skills into EmploymentProgramme Guide

www.pearsoninpractice.com

The right training programme can be the diff erence between an average

workforce and an excellent workforce.

At Pearson in Practice, our programmes provide professionals with the

confi dence, skills and knowledge they need to help their employer succeed.

We understand that modern, specialist training requires a fl exible approach

– which is why our industry experienced and accredited trainers can

deliver courses on-site at venues convenient to you.

Whether you need a comprehensive rolling training programme, or a short

course delivered urgently, we can provide your new or existing staff with

the skills they need to succeed.

Benefi ts• First class learning delivered by part of Pearson, the world’s leading

education company

• Industry-recognised qualifi cations

• Flexible training – programmes of various length delivered

throughout the UK

• A hands-on learning experience, providing knowledge and skills for

successful careers

Why work with us?We change lives, businesses and economies by providing high quality,

industry specifi c training and qualifi cations. We deliver more than 15,000

training and development programmes each year, helping businesses to

succeed and individuals to progress their careers.

Recruit and equip staff with the skills they needto succeedTraining programmes to boost business

Pearson in Practice80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL

www.pearsoninpractice.com

Pearson in PracticeTraining Courses

A LWAY S L E A R N I N G

• Business

Administration &

Management

• Construction

• Customer Service

• Gas, electrical,

plumbing, renewable

and air conditioning

• Health and Social

Care

• IT

• Logistics

• Security

To fi nd out more about how our training programmes can help

you or your business, visit htttp://www.pearsoninpractice.com/training-programmes

Tel: 0115 973 9200 Email: [email protected]

*From a National Audit Offi ce Report, February 2012.

In addition to pre-employment training,

we off er programmes in:

3Introduction

Introduction

Contents

Introduction page 4

Workskills 6

Workskills Plus 7

Skills Pathways 8

– Construction 9

– Business Administration 10

– Information Technology - IT Users 11

– Information Technology - IT Support 12

– Information Technology -

Creative & Digital Media 13

– Building Services 14

– Taxi Driving and Private Hire 15

– Contact Centre Skills 16

– Adult Social Care 17

Developing Skills into EmploymentProgramme Guide

4Introduction

Pearson in Practice is the new professional and vocational

training arm of Pearson – the world’s leading education

business. We operate on a national basis and we are the largest

provider of Apprenticeships and vocational training in the UK.

Pearson in Practice changes lives, business and economies

by providing high-quality training and qualifi cations. We give

people the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours that

lead to successful jobs and careers. We also help governments,

businesses and other organisations to build skills, improve

effi ciency, increase productivity and gain a competitive edge.

Our programmes

Currently in the UK, we are delivering over 15,000 training and

development programmes and more than 5,000 Apprenticeships

annually, with an Apprenticeship success rate of over 96% and

ratings by the UK Government’s inspection body Ofsted, ranging

from ‘satisfactory’ to ‘outstanding’. Independent research by the

ROI Academy also verifi es the high quality of our training.

Our tutors, most of whom are experienced industry

professionals, off er learner-focused, employment driven training

that is built around individual needs and concentrates on ensuring

all our learners have the skills and experience required to enter

the labour market and develop their careers. As part of Pearson,

we help to educate more than 100 million people in 60 countries

worldwide.

Employment and Progression

Our employment teams are experienced in successfully placing

learners into employment with companies across the UK. Of

3,572 learners who started IT Training with Pearson in Practice

in 2010, 71% entered employment and 16% progressed onto

Higher Education.

Our partnership teams are committed to working with you to

deliver programmes which support people to enter the local

labour market. We off er a range of programmes, which can be

tailored to meet specifi c needs, either for groups of individuals,

or for local employers looking to recruit people with specifi c

skills. It is not a one-size-fi ts all approach.

Introduction

Potential Progression

App

rent

ices

hip

Furt

her

Trai

ning

Work Skills

Skills Pathways

Work Skills Plus

Level 1

Level 1/2

ProgrammeLevel

Level 3

Empl

oym

ent

Skills into Employment

Introduction 5

Skills into Employment Programmes

This guide outlines our new range of Skills into Employment

Programmes which are primarily aimed at adults aged over 19

who have been unemployed for 6 months or more. However

these programmes could also be accessed by adults unemployed

for less than 6 months at the discretion of Jobcentre Plus.

Referrals to all these programmes will come through Jobcentre

Plus or other agencies work with unemployed adults.

The programmes are designed for people close to entering the

labour market and include short intensive training in work skills,

for people wanting to re-enter the workforce quickly. In addition,

there are also programmes which provide a clear pathway into a

specifi c occupational sector or job role. Literacy and Numeracy

provision can also be delivered for these individuals, if required.

As part of Pearson we are able to off er our learners access to

quality materials, technologies and knowledge to support their

learning and training. The delivery of our Skills into Employment

Programmes is fully funded through the Skills Funding Agency’s

Adult Skills Budget.

We are also interested in establishing additional provision, such

as sector-based work academies or programmes in diff erent

sectors and districts dependent on local labour market needs.

We would be keen to discuss these proposals with Jobcentre

Plus Districts.

Please get in touch with us to fi nd out more, using the contact

details at the back of this guide.

Pearson in Practice also off ers numerous training

programmes, for further information, go to

http://www.pearsoninpractice.com/

training-programmes

In addition, Pearson in Practice also delivers

Apprenticeships in the following areas:

• Business Administration

• Creative and Digital Media

• Health and Social Care

• IT

• Customer Service

• Building and Construction

• Logistics

• Security

• Sales and Telesales

• PR (from September 2012)

For further information please visit:

www.pearsoninpractice.com/apprenticeships

“Support every step

of the way ”

Workskills 6

Why this programme?

This programme provides a short intensive opportunity for

learners to gain the skills and confi dence required to enter the

labour market, alongside focused support to enable them to

apply for jobs and succeed at interview.

Experienced tutors provide training and learning in recognising

and making the most of individuals potential, alongside specifi c

skills in searching for a job, applying for a job, preparing for

interviews, interview skills and career progression. Linked

to local labour market opportunities, the employment team

prepare and support learners through the process of identifying

suitable opportunities to include completing job applications and

attending interviews.

Duration

This programme runs for 4 weeks. Attendance requirements

may be changed to suit the needs of learners and any restrictions

according to benefi ts claimed. There is the opportunity for some

fl exibility in this delivery model dependent on demand.

Entry Requirements

Learners must be working at minimum of Entry Level 3 in

English and Maths to access this programme. All applicants will

be required to undertake an initial assessment and attend an

interview. All applicants must be unemployed and aged 19 or

over.

Progression

During the programme, learners will be focused on gaining

employment and will be supported to enter the labour market.

Where appropriate some learners may progress onto the Skills

Pathways where it has been established that specifi c training is

required to improve their employability skills.

Workskills

“Helping you get your

foot on the ladder ”

Qualifi cations and Units:

Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Certifi cate in Workskills

• Searching and applying for a Job

• Preparing for an interview and interview skills

• Career Progression

• Self Management Skills

• Positive Attitudes and Behaviours at Work

• Learning from more Experienced People

• Building Working Relationships with Colleagues

Workskills Plus 7

Why this programme?

At Pearson in Practice we recognise that many individuals already

hold higher level qualifi cations which may include degrees, but

that they still require specifi c support and additional work skills

to enable them to enter the labour market.

This programme gives learners the opportunity to develop

skills that are in demand in the workplace, improving their

employability prospects.

This programme provides a short intensive opportunity for

learners to gain specifi c higher level skills required by employers,

alongside focused support to enable them to apply for jobs and

succeed at interview.

Our tutors are experienced in recognising and making the most

of each individuals potential. They will provide specifi c learning

and training to develop learners’ confi dence whilst developing

their presentation, negotiation, coaching and mentoring skills

alongside project management and career development.

Duration

This programme runs for 4 weeks. Attendance requirements

may be changed to suit the needs of learners and any restrictions

according to benefi ts claimed. There is the opportunity for some

fl exibility in this delivery model dependent on demand.

Entry Requirements

Initial Assessments in English and Maths at a minimum of Level

2. All applicants will be required to undertake initial assessments

and attend an interview. All applicants must be unemployed and

aged 19 or over.

Progression

During the programme, learners will be focused on gaining

employment and will be supported to enter the labour market.

Within the Career Development Unit, learners will be supported

to identify appropriate learning and training qualifi cations, which

will enable them to progress in the workplace and enhance their

career.

Workskills Plus


Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Certifi cate in Workskills

• Maximising Potential when Applying for a Job

• Strategies to Improve Job Interview Skills

• Developing Confi dence for Work

• Negotiation Skills and Persuasion in the

Workplace

• Career Development

• Giving and Receiving Feedback

• Coaching Skills for the Workplace

• Building Working Relationships with Colleagues

• Project Management Skills

• Solving Work-Related Problems

“Paving the way for a

better career ”

Skills Pathways 8

Why this programme?

At Pearson in Practice we recognise the diffi culties that

individuals face entering employment without any vocational

qualifi cations. We have developed a range of Skills Pathways

with employers, to enable individuals to gain sector-specifi c skills

and qualifi cations. These will work alongside generic support to

improve learner’s ability to move into sustainable employment.

Each pathway provides an opportunity for learners to gain

the Literacy and Numeracy skills required to enter the labour

market. In addition, we also off er focused support to enable

them to apply for jobs and succeed at interview. Our tutors are

experienced industry professionals who off er learner-focused,

employment driven training that enables learners to gain a

vocational qualifi cation and an understanding of their chosen

industry.

Our employability tutors provide learning and training designed

to making the most of an individual’s potential, and equip them

with the right skills to help with searching for a job, applying

for a job, preparing for interviews, interview skills and career

progression. Linked to local labour market opportunities, the

employment team prepare and support learners through the

process of identifying suitable opportunities to completing job

applications and attending interviews.

Duration

The pathways run from 3-7 weeks depending on the

employment sector. Attendance requirements may be changed

to suit the needs of learners and any restrictions according to

benefi ts claimed.

Entry Requirements

Learners must be working at minimum Entry Level 3 to access

this programme. All applicants will be required to undertake an

initial assessment and attend an interview. All applicants must be

unemployed and aged 19 or over.

Skills Pathways

“Equipping you with

fundamental skills ”

Current Skills Pathways:

• Construction

• Business Administration

• Information Technology – IT Users

• Information Technology – IT Support

• Information Technology – Creative &

Digital Media

• Building Services

• Taxi Driving and Private Hire

• Contact Centre

• Adult Social Care

9Skills Pathways

Why this programme?

More than 2 million people – 1 in 14 of the UK workforce –

currently work in Construction and the Built Environment.

Construction and its surrounding industries continue to be a key

driver in the UK economy.

This pathway provides an opportunity for learners to gain an

understanding of the construction industry, alongside specifi c

skills and qualifi cations required for employment. All construction

employees require qualifi cations proving their knowledge and

understanding of health and safety regulations and manual

handling. A key benefi t is that we will provide a free Construction

Skills Certifi cation Scheme (CSCS) Test and Card for learners to

increase their chances of getting a job in the Construction Sector.

Our tutors are experienced industry professionals, who off er

learner-focused, employment-driven training, and provide

learners with the opportunity to learn about the range of

employment opportunities the Construction industry can off er.

Duration

This pathway runs for 7 weeks. Attendance requirements may

be changed to suit the needs of learners and any restrictions

according to benefi ts claimed.

Entry Requirements





Progression

During the programme all individuals will work towards

employment in the Construction industry. On commencement

of employment learners may have the opportunity to continue

their career development through an Apprenticeship.

Construction

Construction Skills Pathways


• Edexcel Level 1 BTEC Certifi cate in

Construction

• Health and safety and welfare in Construction

• Starting work in Construction

• Working as a team to move and handle resources

• Edexcel Level 2 Certifi cate in Workskills

• CSCS Test and Card

“Building a strong

foundation for a

future career ”

10

“Focusing on the

must-have and

in-demand skills ”

Why this programme?

Business Administration is a fundamental part of corporate and

non-corporate operations. This Skills Pathway enables individuals

to develop and establish a variety of administrative skills and

improve their communication and IT profi ciency.


understanding of the wide range of employment opportunities in

Business Administration, alongside specifi c skills and qualifi cations

required for employment.


learner-focused and employment-driven training and individuals

will gain skills in making and receiving calls, welcoming visitors

and creating a range of business documents.

Duration




Entry Requirements





Progression


employment in Business Administration. On commencement of

employment learners may have the opportunity to continue their

career development through an Apprenticeship.

Skills Pathways

Business Administration

Business Administration Skills Pathway


• Edexcel Level 1 BTEC Certifi cate in Business

Administration

- Job Opportunities in Business

Administration

- Working in Business and Administration

- Ideas for Small Businesses

- Creating Business Documents


11

Information Technology - IT UsersSkills Pathway

Information

Technology - IT Users

Skills Pathways

Why this programme?

Information Technology is a fundamental part of corporate

and non-corporate operations. This Skills Pathway enables

individuals to develop a variety of information technology and

communication skills.


understanding of the wide range of employment opportunities

available to those with good IT and communication skills.

Learners will gain specifi c skills and qualifi cations required for

employment.


learner-focused and employment-driven training, and individuals

will gain skills in using word processing, spreadsheet and email

software.

Duration




Entry Requirements





Progression


employment in job roles where good IT and communication

skills are crucial. On commencement of employment learners

may have the opportunity to continue their career development

through an Apprenticeship.


• Edexcel Level 2 Certifi cate for IT Users

- Improving Productivity Using IT

- Word Processing Software

- Using Email

- IT Communication Fundamentals


“Understanding

your talent and

turning these into

transferrable skills ”

12Skills Pathways

Information Technology

- IT Support

Information Technology - IT SupportSkills Pathway

Why this programme?

High quality IT Support skills are required in all organisations

regardless of size. Employers require both good technical and

customer service skills to provide an eff ective helpdesk function.

This pathway provides an opportunity for learners to gain

an understanding of the IT Support opportunities within

employment, alongside the specifi c skills and qualifi cations

required for employment.


learner-focused and employment-driven training, and learners

will gain an industry recognised Microsoft Technology Associate

qualifi cation thereby improving their employability in the IT

sector.

Duration




Entry Requirements

Learners must be working at minimum of Level 1 to access




Progression


employment involving IT Support and Helpdesk roles. On

commencement of employment learners may have the

opportunity to continue their career development through an

Apprenticeship.



- Set Up an IT System

- Optimise IT System Performance


- IT User Fundamentals

- IT Security for Users


• Microsoft Technology Associate in Security

Fundamentals

“Providing you

with the essential

skills required by

industry ”

Information

Technology - Creative

& Digital Media

Skills Pathways 13



- Imaging Software

- Multimedia Software


- Website Software


Why this programme?

Creative and digital media industries are rapidly growing.

Employers need individuals who are work ready with good

Maths, English and IT skills. This sector requires creative people

who can work eff ectively within a team to tight timescales.


understanding of the creative media sector alongside the specifi c

skills and qualifi cations required for employment.



will gain skills in industry standard multimedia software used in

imaging and website development.

Duration




Entry Requirements

Learners must be working at minimum of Level 1 to access




Progression


employment within the creative and digital media industries.

On commencement of employment learners may have the


Apprenticeship.

Information Technology – Creative & Digital Media Skills Pathway

“Developing your

expertise ”

14Skills Pathways

Building Services

Why this programme?

Building Services are responsive and continually developing

industries. This Pathway includes the following trade skills:

Plumbing, Electrical, Environmental, Air Conditioning, Heating

and Ventilation.

Recently environmental technologies have been integrated within

Building Services and the modern tradesperson undertakes a

wide variety of roles within domestic and commercial sectors.


understanding of the range of employment opportunities within

the building industries sector alongside the specifi c skills and

qualifi cations required for employment.



will gain skills in building services engineering, safe working

practices, electrical installation amongst others. A key benefi t

is that we will provide a free Construction Skills Certifi cation

Scheme (CSCS) Test and Card for learners to increase their

chances of gaining employment.

Duration




Entry Requirements

Learners must be working at minimum of Entry Level 3 to access




Progression


employment within the building services sector. On

commencement of employment learners may have the


Apprenticeship.

Building Services Skills Pathway


• City & Guilds Level 1 Access to Building

Services Engineering

- Building Services Engineering

- Safe Working Practices

- Environmental Protection Measures

- Electrical Installation

- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

- Heating and Ventilation

- Plumbing Operations

- Scientifi c Principles


• CSCS Test and Card

“Off ering you a

choice of career

pathways ”

15

Qualifi cation and Units:

• BTEC L2 Introduction to the Role of the

Professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver

• BTEC L1 WorkSkills units:

- Positive attitude and behaviour at work

- Interview skills

- Preparing for interview

- Searching for a job

- Applying for a job

Why this programme?

Driving taxi or private hire vehicles is a growing sector, with over

300,000 licences issued. The industry has a high proportion

of self-employed people who enjoy the freedom to set their

own working hours around their other commitments. A driver

therefore can decide how much they wish to earn by choosing

which days and times they are available to work.

This pathway provides an opportunity for learners to gain

valuable knowledge and understanding of the profession and

a formal professional qualifi cation - in many local authorities

formal training is often necessary to support an application

for a licence to work. Some also stipulate additional entry

requirements such as a ‘knowledge’ test or specifi c supporting

medical documentation - we can provide the information, advice

and guidance necessary to support learners into employment,

to pass the “Knowledge” test and obtain relevant medical

documents.



will gain skills and confi dence to manage their time and earnings

and provide good customer service to their passengers.

Duration

This pathway can run either full or part-time, over either 3 or

6 weeks. Attendance requirements may be changed to suit the

needs of learners and any restrictions according to

benefi ts claimed.

Entry Requirements


English and Maths to access this programme. All applicants will

be required to undertake an initial assessment and attend an

interview. All applicants must be unemployed and aged 19

or over and have held a full UK driving licence for 12 months

or more.

Progression

During the programme, all individuals will work towards

employment as a Taxi or Private Hire driver.

Taxi Driving and Private Hire Skills Pathway

Skills Pathways

Taxi Driving and

Private Hire

“‘Transporting you

to the next level in

your career”

16

Contact Centre

Skills Pathways

Why this programme?

More than 1 million people work in UK call or contact centres.

Contact centres are just that – a central place for organisations

to communicate with their customers with a mix of inbound

and outbound activity through telephone, e-mail and other

media. More contact centres are coming back to the UK due to

good customer service outweighing the lower cost of overseas

centres.



as organisations centralise their functions. Contrary to popular

belief there are many more inbound customer service roles than

sales, from helping the elderly to advising people using Council

services and booking hospital appointments. Learners will gain

specifi c skills to be successful when applying to and working in

diff erent organisations.



will gain skills and confi dence to make and receive calls, fi nd

solutions to problems and the importance of good customer

service.

Duration

This pathway can run either full or part-time, over either 2 or

4 weeks. Attendance requirements may be changed to suit

the needs of learners and any restrictions according to benefi ts

claimed.

Entry Requirements


English and Maths to access this programme. All applicants

will be required to undertake an initial assessment and

attend an interview. All applicants must be unemployed

and aged 19 or over.

Progression


employment in job roles where good customer service and

communication skills are crucial. On commencement of

employment learners could have the opportunity to continue

their career development through an Apprenticeship.

Contact Centre Skills Pathway


Pre-employment Award from the Institute of

Customer Management (ICM)

Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Workskills units

• Applying for a job

• Preparing for interview

• Interview skills

• Self assessment

• Positive Behaviours and Attitudes at Work

• Contributing to Meetings

“Getting you to where

you want to be ”

17

Adult Social Care

Skills Pathways

Why this programme?

Social care is about providing personal and practical support

to help people live their lives. It’s about supporting them to

maintain their independence, dignity and control. In 2009 there

were around 1.75 million paid jobs in adult social care in England.

Adult social care will continue to grow and it is estimated that by

2025 the sector may need up to 2.6 million workers to fi ll over 3

million paid jobs.

There is a huge range of opportunities in the sector tailored

to various lifestyle and individual needs. It doesn’t matter

about your background, how old you are, or your academic

qualifi cations. Somewhere in your community there’s a job that

you can do to help others. If you like working with people, social

care work off ers a worthwhile job that can turn into a rewarding,

long-term career.



in Adult and Social Care, from working with the elderly, to

people with disabilities and learning diffi culties. There are

great opportunities to progress within the sector in both small

and large organisations. Learners will also gain specifi c skills

to be successful when applying to and working in diff erent

organisations.



will gain skills and confi dence to provide appropriate care in a

safe way while respecting the needs of the individual.

Duration

This pathway is delivered full-time over 3 weeks. Attendance

requirements may be changed to suit the needs of learners and

any restrictions according to benefi ts claimed.

Entry Requirements

Learners must be working at minimum of Entry Level 3 in English

and Maths to access this programme. All applicants will be required

to undertake an initial assessment and attend an interview. All

applicants must be unemployed and aged 19 or over.

Progression


employment in care roles where empathy, good customer service

and communication skills are crucial. On commencement of

employment learners could have the opportunity to continue their

career development through a Diploma or an Apprenticeship.

Adult Social Care Skills Pathway


• Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award in Preparing to

work in Adult Social Care

• Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Workskills units

- Searching for a job

- Applying for a job

- Preparing for interview

- Interview skills

“Helping you to

develop your

talent”

18

PEARSON IN PRACTICEPearson in Practice is the UK’s leading provider of

apprenticeships, operating across a broad range of industry

sectors, including IT, construction, health and social care and

logistics. The company’s apprenticeships are each designed with

the support of industry, providing a structured programme

that combines on-the-job training with ‘real-world’ experience,

increasing employability amongst the UK workforce.

Copyright © 2012 Pearson in Practice or its affi liate(s).

Contact Us

t 0845 177 1005

e [email protected]

w www.pearsoninpractice.com

a 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, UK

PEARSON IN PRACTICEWe are Pearson in Practice, the world leader in professional and

vocational training. We deliver world-leading, learner-focused,

employer-driven training, purpose-designed around individual

needs and business objectives.

We are changing lives, businesses and economies by setting the

world standard for training.

We believe in all kinds of training, for all kinds of people, in all kinds

of ways, because where training works, so do people, businesses

and economies.