CE4923: Employability Skills

School Continuing and Professional Education
Department Code LEARN
Module Code CE4923
External Subject Code N210
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Ms Janet Stephens
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

To introduce students to pro-active career management techniques and enable them to develop key competencies including mock interviews to enhance their employability prospects (seeking, acquiring and retaining work of value). 

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • Identify personal preferences, strengths and skills
  • Implement research strategies to anticipate the needs of employers
  • Evidence enhanced interview techniques
  • Produce effective CVs and application forms
  • Evidence and sell unique qualities at an interview
  • Create a realistic plan for continuing search for employment
  •  Enhance skills in the key business competencies

How the module will be delivered

Lectures and presentations, individual and group work, case studies drawn from the world of work 

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • Improve their time management skills
  • Improve their communication skills – both written and oral
  • Develop their enterprise skills
  • Improve their networking skills
  • Learn to develop a personal action plan.
  • Be competent in study skills appropriate to this level.
  • Implement research strategies to anticipate the needs of employers

  

How the module will be assessed

Assessment method 1

Groups of three will reflect on communication skills, and develop team working skills. They will practice interview techniques, one interviewee, one interviewer, one observer / notetaker.

 

Assessment method 2

A Portfolio will be completed. It will include assignments that allow students to consolidate and reflect on their learning such as a 48-hour time log. By the end of the course a current CV and a Personal Development Plan will also be included.

 

Assessment method 3

Completion of action plans and SMART objectives will enable students to consolidate and reflect on their learning, and address skills gaps in order to achieve their goals. 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 Employability Skills N/A

Syllabus content

EMPLOYERS & WHAT THEY SEEK (capability, commitment & culture fit) / WHAT CAN I OFFER

  • Identifying current situation
  • Introduction to reflective learning logs
  • Understanding the current climate and it's impact on finding a career
  • Understanding and evidencing key competencies / behaviours (STAR format)
  • Identifying achievements, strengths and current skills
  • Skills – transferability and trainability
  • Homework:  Identifying ideal career and Completing reflective learning logs (Assessment 1)

 

 

 TACTICS (how do I get to where I want to be?)

  • Networking skills and how to apply to career search
  • Address to Impress 1 - Selling yourself through written communications (CVs, application forms & covering letters - hard copy and online) – Key words, grammar etc
  • Team working - Using Belbin to identify preferred role and appreciation of others roles.
  • Essentials of management – self and others (time management, team management, project management etc)
  • Address to Impress 2 – Interviews
  • Homework: Completion of Belbin Role profile, Interview questions and Completing reflective learning logs (Assessment 1)

 

 

 PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

  • Team interviews
  • Presentation top tips
  • Researching employers
  • Understanding of further opportunities available – courses, GOWales, Careers support etc
  • Next steps - Setting goals and action planning
  • SMART goal setting (Assessment 3)
  • Action Planning and Personal Development Plan (Assessment 3)

  

Essential Reading and Resource List

Mullins, L. 2008. Management and Organisational Behaviour. Harlow: Prentice Hall.

Pettinger. R. 2007. Introduction to Management. Palgrave MacMillan.

Hall. D, Jones. C and Raffo. A.A. 2008. Business Studies. Pearson Education.

Cottrell. S. Skills for Success. 2003. Palgrave MacMillan. 


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