skills builder principles

A consistent focus on the same skills helps ensure everyone’s shared understanding and makes building these skills as tangible as possible. 

Using the same language all the time makes a big difference. 

Mastering the essential skills isn't simple and takes considerable time and effort. 

The skills are not just about employability, but about succeeding in all parts of life.

Take time to reflect on the skills of individuals – by observing or by self-assessment. 

This gives a balanced understanding of strengths and weaknesses, highlights progress and shows next steps. 

Think about what learners already know and can do, and build up from that point.

Ensure you have committed time to specifically build these focus skills. 

To speed up progress in the essential skills, they should be used and reinforced as often as possible – including opportunities for reflection. 

Consider how essential skills could be used in different parts of learners' lives - and your own. 

For example, in their personal life, in sports, in education or in work.