Key skills

Key skills are an integral part of all Apprenticeships.  They are the skills used in all jobs and industries.  There are six key skills and three different levels for Apprenticeships.  The Apprenticeship framework will specify which key skill is required and at what level in order to complete the Apprenticeship.

The six key skills are:

Communication

Application of number

Information and communication technology

Working with others

Improving own learning and performance

Problem solving

Key skills levels

Level 1 describes the skills that people use in routine situations and tasks that occur regularly at work.

Level 2 asks people to take more responsibility for some of the decisions about how to apply key skills.

Level 3 has more complex activities that involve reasoning and more personal responsibility for organising and carrying out tasks using key skills.

Why do we need key skills?

Changes in work and technology mean that more than just the technical skills are needed for the job.  Employers are looking for people who can:

·   Communicate well, both in speaking and writing

·   Use numbers to do calculations, pricing and measurements

·   Use new technology

·   Get on with other people and work as part of a team

·   Manage their own work, look for how they can improve and are keen to learn

·   Show initiative and recognise and solve problems.

People who work well in groups, are well organised and can solve their problems are the people who get on best at work and get promoted.