New EAL qualifications are giving NEETs the opportunity to develop vital work-related skills for industry and boost their chances of progressing into further education.
With almost a million 16-24 year olds not in employment, education or training, the specialist awarding organisation for industry qualifications has been prompted to develop a suite of gateway to industry foundation qualifications to start learners on the path into further education and work.
The level 1 qualifications allows colleges and training providers to develop learners’ self-management and interview preparation techniques. The qualifications also focus on health and safety awareness as well as basic engineering, manufacturing, electrical or plumbing skills.
The flexibility of the EAL qualifications allows learning providers to offer short courses or summer programmes. They also encourage the formation of partnerships with local Jobcentres to aid people affected by the jobs crisis. The qualifications are aimed at anyone wanting to develop the basic skills needed to start their journey into a career in engineering, manufacturing or building services.
The qualifications are designed as a stepping stone to full-time programmes, including level 2 qualifications or Apprenticeships, by preparing and motivating learners for the experience of work-based learning.
Ann Watson, Managing Director of EAL, said: “Economic worries mean businesses are under pressure to stay competitive – so they are looking for employees who already have certain basic skills and qualities and will be able to contribute from day one. Apprenticeships are also in high demand, for the job satisfaction and career prospects they offer, so developing basic abilities to boost CVs can have a huge impact on their chances of landing a place.
“We have developed these new gateway to industry qualifications to give people the practical and employability skills to make a successful start to their journey into further education and work. Having a positive learning experience and an industry recognised qualification behind them will go a long way to helping new applicants stand out from the crowd.
“Motivation is so important. By helping learners to sample industry training before joining full-time programmes, the qualifications will also help learning providers and employers to improve retention.”
