Embedding Functional Skills

1

• Embedding Functional Skills
• An approach by Asset Skills

2
A Broad Definition

• Core elements 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

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Stages in the Process

• Stage One
• Gather and evaluate feedback on current standards
  from employers
• Review changes in job roles (legislation/technolog
  y/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

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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_at_assetskills.org
• David Bell
• dbell_at_assetskills.org