Posted by : RosLucas (Education/Careers Consultant) Time : 03/05/2017 12:20
Employment skills
Watch TopicIt would be interesting to be able to issue guidelines to students interested in different sectors, about which are the most important 10 skills of most use in their sector.
How would employers suggest that these are developed in the school and college setting, especially now that the emphasis on linear exams will perhaps reduce opportunities for developing communication skills.
1 bluedavies (Training Manager) 8 years ago
Communication skills are key within the Marine Industry. Technical skills can be learnt on the job and at college etc.
Exposing students to situations where they need to communicate together and especially with folk they do not know would be helpful.
Work experience opportunities can sit along side this where employers can help develop these skills.
2 JennyPwC (Student Recruitment Officer) 8 years ago
Hello! PwC is a professional services firm. The skills we look for include communication skills, teamworking, the ability to manage a task/project, commercial awareness & leadership. You can find details here: https://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/student-jobs/apply/the-skills-we-look-for.html
Whilst relevant work experience & study is useful, it's not necessary as employers will provide specific technical training. We'd encourage students to get involved in extra curricular activities e.g. volunteering, sports, clubs, part time jobs etc to develop transferable skills. Competition wise, PwC runs the National Schools Employability Challenge, focusing on developing the key transferable skills above, in partnership with Rate My Apprenticeship.
PwC also run skills sessions & open days involving group projects, business games & practice assessments. We also have a toolkit on our website where teachers can download the sessions to run themselves.
3 LHUT (Diversity and Inclusivity Advisor) 7 years ago
Law firms such as BLP want to see well-rounded and critically thinking people. Having a range of skills from the usual desirable skills (problem solving, interpersonal, critically-minded), students and future lawyers should look to develop a commercial mind which allows them to really understand clients and what their objectives are. To that end, any customer facing role which allows you to understand what a customer or client values, appreciates and needs will stand you in good stead.
Insight days and similar events such as open days, workshops, skills sessions etc. all help you understand what employers are looking for and how they look for it. They are useful ways to otherwise get access to information that simply is not so readily available either through schools, universities or other educational institutions. It is worth browsing around on employer websites to see what they offer, such as BLP's Career Kick Start programme.
