Travelling to 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 succeed in the workplace. This award focuses on building confidence, understanding workplace expectations, and developing practical employability skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. It is ideal for students who are preparing for their first work experience, part-time job, or further vocational study.

The qualification covers key areas including understanding different types of work, identifying personal strengths and areas for improvement, and learning how to work effectively with others. Students will also explore health and safety in the workplace, how to apply for jobs, and the importance of punctuality and reliability. By completing this award, students gain a recognised qualification that demonstrates their readiness for employment and further learning.

This award is part of the wider ASDAN Employability suite, which provides a stepping stone to higher-level qualifications such as the Certificate in Employability or vocational courses in specific industries. It is particularly valuable for students who benefit from a practical, skills-based approach to learning, as it involves completing tasks and building a portfolio of evidence rather than sitting formal exams.

• →Employability skills: The core skills employers look for, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-management.
• →Workplace expectations: Understanding the importance of punctuality, appearance, reliability, and following instructions.
• →Health and safety: Knowing basic health and safety rules, including identifying hazards and using equipment safely.
• →Job applications: Learning how to complete application forms, write a CV, and prepare for an interview.
• →Personal development: Reflecting on your own strengths and areas for improvement to set goals for future work.

• Award credit for correctly naming at least two different modes of transport.
• Award credit for providing a simple reason why one mode is better than another.
• Award credit for producing a step-by-step plan that includes departure time, route, and estimated arrival time.
• Award credit for demonstrating punctuality in a simulated or real travel scenario.
• Award credit for identifying potential delays and suggesting a backup plan.

• 💡Practice planning a journey using a real map or transport app.
• 💡Always include a buffer time in your journey plan to account for delays.
• 💡When asked to compare travel options, think about time, cost, and convenience.
• 💡In assessments, clearly state your departure time and expected arrival time.
• 💡Tip 1: Use specific examples from your own experience when demonstrating skills like teamwork or problem-solving. This shows you can apply what you've learned in real situations.
• 💡Tip 2: Keep a portfolio of evidence as you complete tasks, such as photos, witness statements, or completed worksheets. This makes it easier to prove your achievements.
• 💡Tip 3: Read each task carefully and check the criteria. Many students lose marks by not fully addressing what is asked – for example, forgetting to include a reflection on what went well.

• Confusing the terms 'public transport' and 'private transport'.
• Forgetting to account for walking time to and from the transport stop.
• Not considering the cost of different travel options.
• Underestimating the time needed for unexpected delays.
• Misconception: Employability skills are only about technical abilities. Correction: While technical skills matter, employers often value soft skills like communication and teamwork just as much, if not more.
• Misconception: Health and safety is only about avoiding accidents. Correction: Health and safety also includes knowing your rights, reporting concerns, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
• Misconception: You don't need to prepare for an interview if you know the job. Correction: Preparation is key – research the company, practice common questions, and plan what to wear.

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