Exercise name: Theoretical background:

Key skills in different jobs Key skills have become an important concept in the UK where they are used to describe the generic (i.e. not job-specific) skills which are needed by students in their courses and employees in their jobs. Students aged 14 19 The concept of key skills is introduced and the skills themselves are identified, using student feedback in the first instance. Students are then given a range of jobs and asked to identify which skills are needed and how they are used. To make the students think about the skills they will require in work and how these can be developed at school and university. 60 minutes Photocopier

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This exercise has been kindly donated by Connexions, Birmingham & Solihull.

Key Skills in Different Jobs Teacher Notes Ask the class to brainstorm: a) how many key skills there are b) what those key skills are c) why key skills are important - and to whom Answers: a) 6 b) communication, application of number, IT, working with others, problem solving improving own learning and performance. c) they are important in personal and professional life. You may be asked about your key skills during an interview for college, university, a job or with a training provider. Ask the class if they can think of examples for each key skill. Divide the class into up to 7 small groups and distribute a set of worksheets Key Skills in Different Jobs to each group. Ask them to think of the key skills that that job would require and enter the answers in the first column. In the second column they need to enter when that key skill may be used. For example, receptionist communication used when dealing with enquiries on the telephone and receiving visitors. Not all of the jobs will involve use of all the key skills. When completed, ask students to complete a worksheet on another job. Allow time for feedback and discussion on the task.

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Physiotherapist Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Doctor Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Judge Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Police Officer Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs

Job title: Receptionist Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs

Job title: Estate Agent Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs

Job title: Scientist Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Civil Engineer Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Bricklayer Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Horse Riding Instructor Key skill How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Farmer Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Firefighter Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Photographer Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Professional Footballer Key skill How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Professional Tennis Player Key skill How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Actor Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Hairdresser Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Professional Musician Key skill How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Chef Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Food Service Assistant Key skill How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Dentist Key skill

How is it used?

Key Skills in Different Jobs Job title: Postal Worker Key skill

How is it used?