Foundation for Success Employability Programme - Curriculum Plan

Programme Duration: 16 to 20 Weeks
Start Date: Monday, 24th March
End Date: Thursday, 11th July
Total Delivery Days: 48
Qualification: VTCT Skills Level 1 Award in Developing Employability Skills
Additional Components: Occupational Sector Tasters, Enrichment Activities, Maths, English

Course Goals and Aims

Goal

To provide students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to enhance their employability prospects in a competitive job market.

Aims

To develop key employability skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
To equip students with the understanding of the job search process, including CV writing and interview preparation.
To introduce students to various occupational sectors through taster sessions.
To foster a growth mindset and self-awareness related to career aspirations.
To enhance functional skills in English and Maths to support employability.

Course Structure

The course is divided into 5 Modules, each containing a specific focus area relevant to employability. Each module consists of a series of lessons aimed at building competencies and enhancing student understanding.

Module 1: Personal Development and Self-Awareness (Weeks 1-4)

Lesson 1: Introduction to Employability Skills
Lesson 2: Personal Reflection and Goal Setting
Lesson 3: Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Lesson 4: Growth Mindset and Resilience
Lesson 5: Time Management Skills
Lesson 6: Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
Lesson 7: Personal Branding and Online Presence
Lesson 8: Networking Basics

Module 2: Communication Skills (Weeks 5-8)

Lesson 9: Verbal Communication Techniques
Lesson 10: Non-Verbal Communication and Body Language
Lesson 11: Effective Listening Skills
Lesson 12: Writing Professional Emails and CVs
Lesson 13: Crafting Job Applications
Lesson 14: Interview Techniques and Mock Interviews
Lesson 15: Presentation Skills and Public Speaking
Lesson 16: Building Rapport and Professional Relationships

Module 3: Work Readiness and Sector Awareness (Weeks 9-12)

Lesson 17: Understanding Workplace Culture and Expectations
Lesson 18: Occupational Sector Taster: Health and Social Care
Lesson 19: Occupational Sector Taster: Retail
Lesson 20: Occupational Sector Taster: Hospitality
Lesson 21: Occupational Sector Taster: Technology
Lesson 22: Occupational Sector Taster: Creative Industries
Lesson 23: Volunteering and Work Experience Opportunities
Lesson 24: Understanding Employer Expectations and Job Descriptions

Module 4: Problem Solving and Teamwork (Weeks 13-16)

Lesson 25: Collaborating in Teams
Lesson 26: Understanding Group Dynamics
Lesson 27: Problem Solving Techniques
Lesson 28: Critical Thinking and Decision Making
Lesson 29: Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
Lesson 30: Leadership Skills and Roles
Lesson 31: Project Management Basics
Lesson 32: Reflecting on Teamwork Experiences

Module 5: Employability Action Plan (Weeks 17-20)

Lesson 33: Researching Job Opportunities
Lesson 34: Creating a Personal Development Plan
Lesson 35: Interview Preparation and Practice
Lesson 36: Linking Education and Employability
Lesson 37: Building a Professional Portfolio
Lesson 38: Effective Use of Social Media for Networking
Lesson 39: Understanding Contracts and Employment Rights
Lesson 40: Tracking Progress and Next Steps

Enrichment Activities (Throughout the Course)

Activity A: Guest Speakers from Various Industries
Activity B: Workshops on CV Writing and Interview Techniques
Activity C: Mock Career Fair
Activity D: Team Building Activities

Functional Skills (Maths and English) (Scheduled on Mondays)

Week 1-4: Basic Maths and English for Employability
Week 5-8: Applying Maths in Real-World Situations
Week 9-12: Advanced English Communication Skills
Week 13-16: Functional Skills Applied to Job Scenarios

Weekly Planning and Reviews (Fridays)

Session 1: Review of Weekly Learning Objectives
Session 2: Learner Individual Progress Reports
Session 3: Goal Setting for Next Week
Session 4: Feedback and Open Forum Discussion

Assessment and Evaluation

Continuous assessment through practical tasks and reflections
Cumulative portfolio submission at the end of Module 5
Final assessment based on mock interviews and CV submission

This comprehensive curriculum will prepare students for the increasingly challenging job market by developing essential employability skills while promoting personal growth and professional readiness.