Employability

Employability defines the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours required by individuals to seek, obtain and sustain employment at all levels in the labour market. (Skills for Business Network definition, 2007) 

The following assumptions are central to employability work:

• All entrants at all levels of education and experience require honed employability skills
• The process is a continual one essential at all stages of an individual's personal and career development
• Enhanced awareness of employability skills on the part of individuals encourages self-sufficiency, aids responsibility for self development and career progression and the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances
• Employer clarity about employability skills improves selection, retention and career progression
• The nature and balance of employability skills are dependent upon external economic and social factors, including personal circumstances
• The development of employability skills is a prerequisite for all entrants to the job market
• The perception of an individual's employability will depend on their ability to present their skills and attributes to employers

Employability skills are varied and extensive covering a broad spectrum of skills:

Behavioural: enthusiasm, adaptability, resilience, thoroughness

Functional: IT end user, literacy, language, numeracy

Intellectual skills: planning, problem solving, self management, organising own learning

Work related: team working, time management, customer service, consistency and reliability.

Download a copy of the Skills for Business Network Employability Guide - a skills toolkit for employers.