The college, which first embarked on the programme in September 2020, has been incorporating the essential skills, also known as ‘soft’ skills, such as teamwork and problem solving, into teaching and learning across the board to benefit students. Students themselves take responsibility for developing the skills by completing online assessments and setting targets for skills they want to improve. Students also have access to launchpad, an online platform that promotes independent learning about the essential skills, so they can continue to build their skills outside of college too.
Claire Temprell, vice principal of HR and student services at Grantham college said, “The gold award, which follows on from the silver award we received last year, is a significant achievement for the college. It shows we’re dedicated to preparing students for their transition into employment. With skills builder’s support and their high-quality resources, we are embedding the essential skills in the most impactful way, equipping students with the skills especially valued by employers.”
She added, “we passionately believe in teaching students the essential skills alongside the technical skills taught in our vocational courses. By encouraging them to reflect on, learn, practise and evidence their skills, we’re certain that Grantham college students will shine out as work ready recruits in the rapidly changing employment landscape”.
The skills builder partnership brings together more than 700 organisations towards a common mission; ensuring that one day, everyone builds the essential skills to succeed. It works with educators, employers, and impact organisations to establish a shared language, principles and outcomes for eight essential skills which drive learning in school and colleges, underpin success in employment and foster life-long personal and professional development.
For more details about the essential skills, please visit https://www.skillsbuilder.org/
By Caroline Kearsey