Embedding Functional Skills An approach by Asset Skills

1. Embedding Functional Skills An approach by Asset Skills

2. A Broad Definition Coreelements of English, Mathematics and ICT that provide an individual with essential knowledge, skills and understanding that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life and at work

3. A Broad Application • Fit for multiple purposes - academic and vocational - transferable to range of contexts • Compatible with different frameworks - employer and employment needs - NC and GCSE requirements

4. Benefits to the Workplace • Back to basics • Strong employer input to content • Simplified framework of 15 Key outcomes • Outcomes related to work contexts eg Read and understand simple instructions and directions • Linked to Can Do statements related to work • Builds upon familiar frameworks

5. Issues • Embedding Functional Skills in work contexts • Avoiding the passive signposting of Functional Skills • Using Functional Skills to capture a broader range of skills • Assessing Functional Skills in real contexts

6. A Model • Review job roles and changing skill mix • Devise a job role matrix • Use the matrix to interrogate existing national occupational standards and identify gaps • Map the matrix to the Functional Skills • Identify where Functional Skills are under-represented • Revise and refine national occupational standards • Identify opportunities for assessing Functional Skills

7. Stages in the Process Stage One • Gather and evaluate feedback on current standards from employers • Review changes in job roles (legislation/technology/work practices) • Create a new comprehensive job role matrix Stage Two • Map job matrix to Functional Skills • Map current standards to Functional skills Stage Three • Interrogate standards against Functional mapping and identify coverage and gaps • Establish where new standards need to be developed which cover Functional Skills • Identify opportunities to assess Functional Skills alongside achievement of the standards

8. Conclusion • Embedding Functional Skills within 360° review of working practices makes them real • Reviewing standards against Functional Skills helps identify gaps and omissions • Linking Functional Skills to standards makes blended learning and assessment easier • The process places Functional Skills at the heart of occupational competence

9. Contacts Sharon Simpson ssimpson@assetskills.org David Bell dbell@assetskills.org