Build or repair a dry stone wall — Highfield Qualifications Vocational Employability & Work Skills

The Highfield Level 1 Award in Personal Development for Employability (RQF) is designed to equip learners with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to enter the workplace or further training. This qualification focuses on developing personal attributes, understanding the world of work, and building essential employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. It is ideal for school leavers, job seekers, or anyone looking to improve their career prospects.

The course covers key areas including self-assessment, setting personal goals, understanding employment rights and responsibilities, and exploring different career paths. Learners will also develop practical skills like completing application forms, preparing for interviews, and working effectively in a team. By the end of the award, students should be able to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, create a personal development plan, and demonstrate a clear understanding of what employers expect.

This qualification is part of the wider Employability & Work Skills suite offered by Highfield Qualifications. It provides a stepping stone to further study, such as the Level 2 Award in Employability Skills, or direct entry into employment. The skills gained are transferable across all sectors, making it a valuable addition to any CV or personal statement.

• →Personal development planning: Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to improve skills and employability.
• →Employment rights and responsibilities: Understanding key legislation such as the National Minimum Wage, working hours, health and safety, and equality laws.
• →Effective communication: Verbal and non-verbal skills, active listening, and adapting communication style for different audiences (e.g., colleagues, managers, customers).
• →Teamwork and collaboration: Contributing to group tasks, respecting diverse opinions, and resolving conflicts constructively.
• →Job application process: Completing application forms, writing CVs and cover letters, and performing well in interviews.

• Award credit for demonstrating correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including steel-toe boots, gloves, and safety glasses.
• Evidence of selecting and grading stones by size and shape, with larger foundation stones placed at the base and smaller filling stones used for hearting.
• Achievement of a stable wall section with proper bonding (one stone over two, two over one) and a consistent batter (lean) of approximately 1:5 to 1:7.
• Clear demonstration of safe manual handling techniques when lifting and positioning heavy stones, including team lifting where necessary.
• Portfolio evidence of a completed wall section showing appropriate coping stones securely placed on top.

• 💡Before starting, conduct a simple risk assessment and have it signed by your assessor to demonstrate awareness of health and safety.
• 💡Photograph each stage of the build (foundation, first lift, hearting, coping) as clear visual evidence for your assessment portfolio.
• 💡Practice the 'one over two, two over one' bonding rule to ensure the wall's strength and longevity—this is a key criterion assessors will verify.
• 💡Use a batter frame or template to maintain the correct batter angle throughout; check it frequently to avoid deviations.
• 💡If repairing, carefully dismantle the damaged section, sort reusable stones, and rebuild using original techniques to retain heritage authenticity.
• 💡Use real-life examples: When answering questions about teamwork or problem-solving, refer to specific situations from school, work experience, or volunteering. This shows practical understanding.
• 💡Link to SMART goals: In any question about personal development, always mention how your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Examiners look for this structure.
• 💡Know your rights: Be prepared to list at least three employment rights (e.g., minimum wage, rest breaks, safe working environment) and explain why they are important.

• Selecting rounded or irregular stones that do not interlock, leading to structural instability and potential collapse.
• Incorrect batter angle—too vertical—making the wall prone to bulging or toppling under pressure.
• Neglecting to adequately fill the wall's internal cavity (hearting) with small stones, resulting in voids and weakness.
• Poor foundation preparation, such as placing stones directly on soft or uneven ground without a firm, level base.
• Failing to secure coping stones properly, causing them to become loose and posing a safety hazard.
• Misconception: 'Employability skills are only about technical abilities.' Correction: Employers value soft skills like communication, teamwork, and reliability just as much as technical knowledge.
• Misconception: 'Personal development is only for people who are unemployed.' Correction: Continuous self-improvement benefits everyone, whether in work, education, or training.
• Misconception: 'Rights at work only apply to full-time employees.' Correction: Part-time, temporary, and zero-hour workers also have legal rights, including the National Minimum Wage and holiday pay.

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