Communicating with others at work — ASDAN Vocational Employability & Work Skills

The ASDAN Entry Level Award in Employability (Entry 2) is a foundational qualification designed to help students develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to enter the world of work. It covers key areas such as understanding different types of jobs, workplace expectations, health and safety, and how to work effectively with others. This award is ideal for students who are beginning their journey towards employment or further vocational study, providing a structured framework to build confidence and practical abilities.

This qualification is part of the wider ASDAN Employability suite, which progresses from Entry Level through to Level 2. At Entry 2, the focus is on developing basic employability skills through practical activities and real-world contexts. Students learn about their own strengths and interests, how to search for job opportunities, and the importance of attendance, punctuality, and teamwork. The award is often delivered in schools, colleges, or training providers and can be tailored to individual needs, making it accessible for a range of learners.

Mastering this award matters because it equips students with transferable skills that are valued by employers across all sectors. By completing the Entry Level Award, students demonstrate that they can follow instructions, communicate effectively, and work safely. This foundation prepares them for further study, such as the ASDAN Certificate in Employability, or direct entry into employment with ongoing support. It also helps students understand the expectations of the workplace, reducing the shock of transitioning from education to work.

• →Job roles and responsibilities: Understanding different types of jobs, what they involve, and the skills required. Students learn to match their own interests and abilities to potential careers.
• →Workplace expectations: Key behaviours such as punctuality, attendance, following instructions, and appropriate dress. Students explore why these matter and how to demonstrate them.
• →Health and safety basics: Identifying common hazards in the workplace, understanding safety signs, and knowing how to report accidents. This includes personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency procedures.
• →Teamwork and communication: Working effectively with others, listening actively, sharing ideas, and resolving simple conflicts. Students practise these skills through group activities.
• →Personal development: Reflecting on own strengths and areas for improvement, setting simple goals, and building confidence. This includes creating a basic action plan for employability.

• Award credit for correctly identifying at least two verbal and two non-verbal communication methods.
• Award credit for demonstrating eye contact, nodding, and not interrupting during a conversation.
• Award credit for giving a clear and relevant verbal response to a question about a work task.
• Award credit for asking a relevant question when instructions are unclear.
• Award credit for using appropriate body language and facial expressions during a role-play exchange.

• 💡Practice role-playing workplace conversations with a friend or family member to build confidence.
• 💡Remember to use open body language, such as facing the speaker and making eye contact.
• 💡If you don't understand something, it's okay to ask for it to be repeated or explained.
• 💡Listen carefully to the full instruction before responding.
• 💡Use real-life examples: When answering questions about job roles or workplace expectations, refer to specific jobs you have observed or experienced. This shows you can apply knowledge to real contexts.
• 💡Practise health and safety signs: Learn the colours and shapes of mandatory, warning, and prohibition signs. In assessments, you may be asked to identify them or explain their meaning.
• 💡Show reflection: In personal development tasks, be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Examiners look for genuine self-awareness and a willingness to improve, not just positive statements.

• Confusing verbal communication with non-verbal communication.
• Failing to listen actively, such as interrupting or not responding to what was said.
• Giving irrelevant or off-topic responses in a conversation.
• Not asking for help when instructions are not understood.
• Misconception: 'Employability skills are only about getting a job, not keeping one.' Correction: While the award helps with job search, it also emphasises skills needed to sustain employment, such as reliability, teamwork, and following procedures.
• Misconception: 'Health and safety is just common sense, so I don't need to learn it.' Correction: Many workplace hazards are not obvious, and specific rules (e.g., COSHH, fire safety) must be followed. The award teaches students to identify risks they might overlook.
• Misconception: 'Teamwork means everyone does the same thing.' Correction: Effective teamwork involves different roles and contributions. Students learn to appreciate diverse strengths and how to cooperate rather than just copy others.

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