The document discusses employability skills and how they are an essential part of being successful in the modern workplace. It defines employability as a set of skills, knowledge, and attributes that make graduates more likely to gain employment and be successful in their chosen careers. These include problem solving, communication skills, willingness to meet deadlines, technical skills relevant to the field, ability to work in teams, self-management, and commercial awareness. The document provides examples of specific technical skills sought by employers in different fields. It also gives examples of job postings that describe the employability skills required for the roles. The importance of identifying skills gaps and developing skills through work experience is discussed.

1. 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

2. Learning outcomes
the importance of employability and what we mean by employability
skills
how to use these ideas when producing a programme of learning

3. Employability
what is it?
why does it matter?

4. 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

5. 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.’

6. 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

7. Employability skills- what do we mean?
Problem solving Excellent Commercial
ability communication skills awareness
Sense of
Willingness to work to professionalism and
deadlines commitment to
Technical skills customer service
(this one will
vary)
Being Goal orientated
Ability to work in organised and determined
project teams
Able to manage
your own
workload

8. What do recruiters look for – examples of specific technical skills?
Documentary
CAD skills Video encoding production
Scripting, Lighting
Javascript C++ Radio production texturing
Softimage
Final Cut Pattern cutting
Zine Dream Pro and screen
production Weaver printing
Photoshop

9. 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.

10. The theory in action – some examples
Local college – Media Technician
Ability to work within set timescales
Good verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work well within teams but also to work independently

11. 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
retouching
Excellent attention to detail

12. Activity – in small groups, please
consider the following job
advertisement

13. BBC Runner job
Identify skills from the Key Selection Criteria
Provide 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?

14. 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 – SMART
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound

15. Thank you – any questions??