Working with numbers — 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 covers key areas such as understanding different types of jobs, workplace expectations, and basic job-seeking skills. It is ideal for students who are beginning their journey into employment or further vocational study, providing a structured introduction to the world of work.

This qualification is part of the wider Employability & Work Skills suite offered by ASDAN, which focuses on building practical, transferable skills. At Entry 2, students learn to identify their own strengths and interests, explore local job opportunities, and understand the importance of punctuality, teamwork, and following instructions. The award is assessed through a portfolio of evidence, allowing students to demonstrate their learning in a flexible, supportive way.

Mastering this award is crucial because it lays the groundwork for future employability qualifications and real-world work experience. By completing it, students gain confidence and a clearer sense of career direction, making them more prepared for the next steps in their education or employment. It also helps schools and colleges meet statutory requirements for careers guidance and preparation for adulthood.

• →Job roles and responsibilities: Understanding what different jobs involve, including typical tasks, working hours, and the skills required.
• →Workplace expectations: Knowing how to behave at work, such as being punctual, following instructions, and working as part of a team.
• →Personal strengths and interests: Identifying your own skills and preferences to help choose suitable job roles.
• →Job-seeking skills: Basic techniques for finding job opportunities, such as using job websites, asking for help, and completing simple application forms.
• →Health and safety at work: Recognising common hazards and understanding the importance of following safety rules.

• Award credit for correctly identifying workplace contexts where numbers are used, such as counting stock, measuring ingredients, or handling money.
• Award credit for performing calculations accurately, with evidence of the method used.
• Award credit for demonstrating the ability to check calculations for accuracy.

• 💡Practice with real-life workplace scenarios to become familiar with the types of problems you may encounter.
• 💡Always show your working out, as this can earn partial credit even if the final answer is wrong.
• 💡Double-check your calculations to avoid simple arithmetic errors.
• 💡Tip 1: Use real examples from your own experience, such as work experience, volunteering, or school activities, to support your portfolio evidence. This shows you can apply what you've learned.
• 💡Tip 2: Pay attention to the wording of assessment criteria. For example, if it says 'identify', you need to list or point out; if it says 'describe', you need to give more detail.
• 💡Tip 3: Keep your portfolio organised with clear headings and dates. This makes it easier for the assessor to see your progress and ensures you don't miss any requirements.

• Confusing the order of operations when performing multiple calculations.
• Misreading numbers or units in practical problems, leading to incorrect answers.
• Misconception: 'Employability skills are only about getting a job.' Correction: While job-seeking is part of it, employability also includes skills like teamwork, communication, and reliability that help you keep a job and progress.
• Misconception: 'You need to know exactly what job you want before starting this course.' Correction: This course helps you explore different options and identify your strengths, so it's fine to be unsure at the start.
• Misconception: 'Health and safety is just common sense.' Correction: Many workplace hazards are not obvious, and specific rules exist to prevent accidents. Learning these rules is essential for staying safe.

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