Complete Open College Network Yorkshire and Humber Region trading as Certa QCF Employability & Work Skills specification revision resources. Tailored syllabus coverage with topic breakdowns, quizzes, and practice questions.
Specification Topics
- Styling Men's Hair
- Customer Care
- Creative Craft Skills
- Customer Service in the Hospitality Industry
- Painting
- Work Experience
- Imaging Software Skills
- Building Working Relationships with Colleagues
- Introduction to Engineering Equipment and Materials
- UK Travel and Tourism Destinations
- Dealing with Conflict in a Workplace
- Understanding Child Development
- Plastering Techniques
- Carpentry Hand Skills
- Desktop Publishing Software
- Oral Presentation Skills
- Textiles
- Communicating in the workplace
- Undertaking an Enterprise Project
- Understanding Nutrition, Performance and Healthy Eating
- Routine Vehicle Checks
- Introduction to Warehousing and Distribution
- Using the Internet
- Understanding the retail selling process
- Understanding customer service in the retail sector
- Introduction to Film Making
- Photography - Using a Camera and Accessories
- Improvisation and Performance Skills
- Dealing with Problems in daily life
- Improvisation Techniques
- Self-Management Skills
- Exploring job opportunities
- Rights and responsibilities in the workplace
- Work Experience
- Bricklaying Skills
- Craft Workshop Practice
- Introduction to Land Based Industries
- Pipework Skills
- Introduction to Motorcycle Maintenance
- Principles of the Movement and Handling of Small Animals
- Understand the Range of Service Provision and Roles within Health and Social Care, Adults and Children and Young People, Early Years and Childcare
- Recognising and Respecting Diversity in the Workplace
- Making Dance
- Introduction to Business and Administration
- Environmental Awareness
- Identification Of Basic External And Internal Car Parts
- Practical Skills for Dry Stone Walls
- Working in the Performing Arts
- Cultivating Herbs
- Responsible Work Practice
- Teamwork Skills
- Understanding Play
- Working in Construction
- Using Mobile IT Devices
- Jewellery Making
- Planning and Reviewing Learning
- Developing Sculpture
- Skin Care
- Understanding Ecology and Conservation
- Digital Lifestyle
- Handling Telephone Calls from Customers
- Providing Customer Service in a Contact Centre
- Self Management
- Introduction to the Leisure Sector
- Research Techniques in Visual Art
- Checking and Maintaining a Car’s Tyre Pressure and Tread
- Developing Personal Confidence and Self Awareness
- Introduction to the Hospitality Industry
- Time Management
- Improving own learning and performance
- Produce Craft Work
- Working as a Team
- Equality and Diversity in the Workplace
- Work in a Business Environment
- Preparing Performing Arts Work
- Use and Maintain Woodworking Tools
- Community project
- Ceramics
- Photography – Using a Tripod
- Problem Solving in the Workplace
- Spreadsheet Software
- Performing Physical Theatre
- Communication Skills in Preparing for Work
- Handling Cash Payments
- Health and Safety in a Practical Environment
- Working with Digital Images
- Video Software Skills
- Outdoor Craft Skills Using Natural Materials
- Food Service
- Music for Performance
- Using Craft Activities with Children and Young People
- Sound Production and Recording
- Teamwork and Communication Skills for Performing Arts
- Introduction to Catering
- Improve own Performance in a Business Environment
- Mask Making
- Understanding Structures in the Workplace
- Using Office Equipment in a Business Environment
- Explore Acting Skills
- Understanding the business of retail
- Enterprise skills
- Introduction to Radio Production and Interviewing
- Introduction to Food Commodities
- Environmental Sustainability
- Introduction to Video Production
- Advertising Techniques
- Styling Women's Hair
- Interview Skills
- Assist with Planting and Establishing Plants
- Introduction to Retail
- Plan and Review Own Learning
- Study Skills for Creative Arts
- Design Project
- Introduction to Vehicle Valeting
- Creating articles for the media
- Work with Other People in a Business Environment
- Understand Menus
- Reception and Filing Skills
- Recognising prejudice and discrimination
- Assertiveness and Decision Making
- Working in Craft
- Assist with Maintaining Plants
- Solving Problems in the Workplace
- Introduction to the Creative Industries
- News Media Techniques
- Carry Out a Systematic Cycle Check
- Constructing a One Brick Wide Wall Using Bricklaying Skills
- Glass Decoration
- Using Computers in the Arts
- Using Floor and Wall Tiling Techniques
- Music Improvisation and Performance Skills
- Personal presentation in the workplace
- Introduction to the Information and Communication Technology Sector
- Understanding Change in the Workplace
- Exploring a Career in the Creative Sector
- Introduction to Travel and Tourism
- Applying for a Job
- Assist with Feedstuffs for Small Animals
- Personal and Interpersonal Conflict
- Recognising Leadership Skills
- Understanding News and Media Production
- Beauty Care
- Explore Craft Ideas
- Design Style
- Using Email
- Promoting a Performing Arts Event
- Understanding the control, handling and replenishment of stock in a retail business
- Take part in Exercise and Fitness
- Presenting Visual Art Work
- CV Writing
- Basic Visual Language
- Planning a Trip to a Visitor Attraction
- Dementia Awareness
- Technical Skills for Performance
- DJing Skills
- Introduction to Interactive Media Products
- Drawing
- Understanding Opportunities in Work Based Learning and Apprenticeships
- Maintenance of Plumbing Systems
- Developing meeting skills
- Multimedia Software Skills
- Urban, Street or Graffiti Art Practice
- Customer Service in Travel and Tourism
- The Role of Overseas Resort Representatives
- Clearing and Weeding a Garden
- Sculpture
- Presentation Software
- Planning a Healthy Diet
- Printmaking
- Developing own Interpersonal Skills
- Developing Animation
- Working in Sport and Active Leisure
- Remove and Replace a Cycle Rim Brake Assembly
- Decorative Paint Techniques
- Using Painting Skills for Interior Ceilings and Walls
- Art and Design: Colour Theory and Design
- Introduction to Engineering
- Introduction to Hospitality
- Wallpapering Skills
- Preparing for Employment in Travel and Tourism
- Group Devised Drama Project
- Using a Digital Audio Workstation
- Motivation
- Warehouse Operations
- Drawing Methods for Painting
- Word Processing Software
- Participating in Leisure Activities
- Printing Techniques for Product Design
- Discovering Music
- Introduction to Hairdressing and Beauty
- Environmental Awareness in Construction
- Set and Meet Goals in the Performing Arts
- Working in a Customer Focused Way
- Explore Graphic Design
- Building a Personal Career Portfolio
- The Principles of Care, Organisational Policies and the Role of the Care Worker
- Financial Literacy: Budgeting and Money Management
- Spray Painting
- Developing Skills in Caring for Young Children
- Using Kitchen Equipment
- Basic Food Preparation and Cooking
- Hedgelaying
- Repair a Cycle Puncture
- Introduction to Health and Social Care
- Introduction to Building and Construction
- Understand how to introduce energy efficient measures to potential customers
Top Exam Board Tips
- Always submit clear before-and-after photographs to evidence your practical work.
- Include a brief reflective log noting any challenges and how you overcame them.
- Practice scissor-over-comb on a mannequin head to build confidence before assessment.
- Memorise the key steps of a consultation script to ensure nothing is missed under pressure.
- Double-check that your workstation is thoroughly sanitised at the start and end of the assessment.
- When providing evidence, always link your actions back to the principles of customer care, such as respect, empathy, and reliability.
- In written assignments, use real-life examples from your workplace or placement to demonstrate how you have applied policies and communication skills.
- Always start with a thorough risk assessment for each creative activity and include photographic evidence of safe working practices.
- Maintain a detailed sketchbook/journal: show not just final outcomes but all your ideas, experiments, and decision-making processes.
- Experiment widely with different media and techniques, even if you don't use them all in the final piece; this demonstrates exploration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using excessive amounts of product, resulting in a heavy or greasy appearance.
- Holding scissors incorrectly, leading to uneven cuts or hand fatigue.
- Skipping the patch test or consultation, risking allergic reactions or client dissatisfaction.
- Neglecting to clean hair clippings from the client’s neck and clothing after the service.
- Failing to check the temperature of heated tools, causing discomfort or damage to the hair.
- Using jargon or technical terms without checking the customer's understanding.
- Interrupting the customer or failing to listen to their full concern.
- Making promises that cannot be kept by the organisation.
Key Terminology & Definitions
- Client consultation and hair analysis
- Health, safety, and hygiene practices
- Tool and product preparation
- Basic blow-drying techniques
- Scissor and clipper handling
- Finishing and styling products
- Principles of Customer Care
- Positive Communication
- Handling Customer Complaints
- Organisational Policies and Procedures
- Professional Behaviour and Attitude
- Meeting Customer Needs
- Understand the health and safety requirements when undertaking creative activity., Know how to develop ideas for creative activity., Know how to experiment with media using a sketchbook and/or journal., Understand the importance of planning for activity., Know how to use materials and equipment within given contexts., Be able to use techniques to undertake activity within given contexts., Be able to reflect on own work.
- Know the benefits of good customer service in the hospitality industry, Be able to communicate with customers in the hospitality environment, Know the importance of good personal presentation in the hospitality industry
- Know how to prepare a surface or canvas support for painting., Know how to use painting materials and equipment., Know how to use painting methods and techniques., Understand Health and Safety.