Life skills learners often face unique challenges when entering the workplace for the first time. Adjusting to a new environment with unfamiliar routines can be overwhelming. They may struggle with communication, especially in handling feedback or asking for help. Time management can also be tough, as sticking to work schedules is very different from school life. Building confidence in social interactions, like working in teams or dealing with customers, can be a big hurdle. Plus, understanding workplace expectations—like professional behaviour or managing stress—can feel daunting without proper support. These challenges make it crucial to prepare them well in advance.
Let’s take a look at how employability skills can help:
What are employability skills?
Employability skills play a crucial role in helping life skills learners not only find a job but also keep it and succeed long-term. Strong communication skills make it easier to interact with colleagues and supervisors, while good time management helps them stay on top of tasks. Teamwork and problem-solving abilities are key to thriving in any role, as they allow learners to adapt and contribute in different situations. These skills also build confidence, helping them face challenges head-on and stay resilient. By mastering employability skills, life skills learners are better equipped to meet workplace expectations and grow in their careers.
Working in a cafe is a great way to build communication - an important employability skill
Why Teach Employability Skills?
Employability skills are everyday abilities that help students succeed in the workplace. Unlike job-specific skills or hands on skills, employability skills cover areas like communication, teamwork, creativity, initiative and problem-solving. These are the essential skills employers are looking for in almost any role.
For vocational and life skills learners, mastering these skills early makes the transition into the workforce much easier. If you’re teaching life skills in high school, these are the building blocks that prepare your students for success, no matter their career path.
Quick Employability Skills Activities for the Classroom
Teaching employability skills can be fun and engaging without taking up too much time. Simple activities like mock job interviews or group problem-solving tasks using task cards can make a big impact. These types of exercises get students thinking on their feet and working together—just like they’ll need to in the workplace. Use problem solving task cards featuring lots of different workplace scenarios as part of your morning work lesson, or build it into centers or individual learning goals in file folders.
Teach students to solve problems using simple workplace scenarios
Role plays and workplace scenarios
Role-playing is another great way to build skills. Create scenarios where students have to handle a workplace conflict or communicate with a boss. This helps them understand what a workplace is like, and learn about workplace scenarios they may experience. Let them practice resolving issues, delegating tasks, or offering feedback. These activities are practical and easy to set up but pack a punch when it comes to learning outcomes.
Checklists for progress
Using employability skills checklists helps life skills learners take charge of their own learning by setting clear goals. The checklist breaks down key skills like communication, teamwork, and time management into simple steps. This makes it easier for students to track their progress and stay accountable. It also helps them understand what’s needed for future jobs. As they complete tasks on the checklist, they build confidence. They can see that these skills are achievable, which boosts their motivation to keep improving.
Checklists help understand how employability skills relate to
work readiness and career choices in the future
I love using employability skills checklists in a careers or work skills unit - they keep students accountable for their learning, and they are great for motivation! Students enjoy seeing all the new skills they have mastered and understanding how they relate to future work readiness and career options. Checklists which link to skills, recreation and sport activities, goals, career surveys and job application skills help bring employability skills sharply into focus, so students see how they relate to what they want to do once they leave school.
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