PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE – School of Creative Technologies

What are employability skills?

Considerations when writing your draft programme of learning

Sources of Opportunities

Paul Barnes and Guy Townsin

Learning outcomes

the importance of employability and what we mean by employability skills

how to use these ideas when producing a programme of learning

Employability what is it? why does it matter?

Employability – an essential set of skills in the modern world

global economy – transport patterns, internet, business mindset

emphasis upon customer service/customer experience

encouragement of competition by governments

increasingly sophisticated recruitment systems used by employers

Employability – a brief definition

According to Yorke and Knight 2004 ‘employability’ is defined as,

‘…a set of achievements – skill, understanding and personal attributes – that make graduates more likely to gain employment and be successful in their chosen occupations which benefits themselves, the workforce,

the community and the economy.’

Employability – a brief definition

According to Yorke and Knight 2004 ‘employability’ is defined as,

‘…a set of achievements – skill, understanding and personal attributes – that make graduates more likely to gain employment and be successful in their chosen occupations which benefits themselves, the workforce,

the community and the economy.’

Not just about getting a job – it is about having the right skills and qualities that employers need

Context of the Profx unit

Employability skills- what do we mean?Problem solving ability

Excellent communication skills

Sense of professionalism and commitment to customer service

Ability to work in project teams

Being organised

Willingness to work to deadlines

Goal orientated and determined

Technical skills (this one will

vary)

Commercial awareness

Able to manage your own workload

What do recruiters look for – examples of specific technical skills?

CAD skills Video encoding

Scripting, Lighting texturing

Zine production

Final Cut Pro

Javascript C++Softimage

Pattern cutting and screen printing

Documentary production

Dream WeaverPhotoshop

Radio production

The theory in action – some examples

BBC Learning and Planning Assistant, BBC Concert Orchestra

Office administration experience preferably within an arts organisation

IT skills, especially MS Office.

Ability to organise and prioritise workload and manage time and tasks effectively

Excellent communication skills, written and verbal are essential.

The theory in action – some examples

Local college – Media Technician

Ability to work within set timescales

Good verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work well within teams but also to work independently

The theory in action – some examples

Dyson – 3 D Artist

Understands and has experience of using:

• Autodesk Maya software and the mental ray renderer.• Adobe Photoshop

Has a portfolio demonstrating photo realistic rendering preferably showing products.

Understands the use of typical studio lighting set-ups Knowledge of surfacing, lighting, compositing and retouchingExcellent attention to detail

Activity – in small groups, please consider the following job

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BBC Runner job Identify skills from the Key Selection CriteriaProvide evidence of how you can

demonstrate where you acquired these skills e.g. through your degree

Skills gap? Which skills have you found difficult to evidence?

Which skills do you plan to develop through your work experience?

Key considerations

What are your current skills – examples?What skills and experience do you need? (skills gap)

Evidence?How are you going to achieve this?

Building in processes of reflection and evaluation

Remember – SMARTSpecific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound

Thank you – any questions??