Certificate of Work Readiness

The Certificate of Work Readiness is designed for young people who are ready for their first experience of work, but need some guided support.

The certificate includes an employer assessed work experience placement, providing a meaningful qualification and a credible standard employers trust.

Successful completion of this award offers improved job prospects and transferable skills in self evaluation, planning and goal setting that can be applied to any workplace.

This qualification was developed in partnership with business and is available through colleges and training providers working in partnership with employers.

Certificate of Work Readiness flyer (877 KB)

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The Certificate in Work Readiness has been developed by Skills Development Scotland and is accredited by SQA, which gives young people the chance to prove they have the skills that employers want.

  • Young people will get a minimum of 190 hours work experience with an employer and develop their skills with a Training Provider
  • Young people can be supported by a SDS work coach, where required
  • A training allowance or Educational Maintenance Allowance may be available.
  • The Certificate is made up of 5 SQA units including  the customised work experience unit:
    • Responsibilities of Employment
    • Dealing with work situations
    • Personal Development: Self and Work
    • Skills for Customer Care
    • Skills Development Scotland customised unit: Practical Work Place Skills
  • Young people are assessed by the employer at the end of the work placement

This qualification has been created to help young people get into work.

This qualification is targeted at young people:

  • aged between 16 - 19
  • who have a positive 'can do' attitude to get into work
  • need to develop extra skills and could benefit from some help in getting and keeping work

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. No prior qualifications or knowledge are required to undertake this qualification.

How long does it take?

  • This will be different for every person as the programme is built around their needs, but on average it will take around 12 weeks working 5 days a week
  • They will start with 2-3 weeks with a training provider to help them prepare for the work placement
  • They will then be with an employer, usually 3½ to 4 days a week
  • One day a week they will be with a training provider and/or Work Coach to further develop  Employability and  Career Management Skills

Please refer to the SDS conditions of approval document.

Approval can be easily obtained - centres should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Guide to Approval.

SDS Tutor packs for all units are available to download from SQA’s secure website as well as assessment support packs (ASPs) for the following NQ units:

  • Responsibilities of Employment (F788 10)
  • Dealing with Work Situations (F789 10)
  • Personal Development: Self and Work (H18P 44)
  • Skills for Customer Care (F38W 10)

Group Award code: GF0F 04 (34 SCQF credit points)
SCQF level: 4

Title of Qualification/ Learning Programme SCQF Level SCQF Credit Points Period of Credit Rating From: Period of Credit Rating To:
Certificate in Work Readiness 4 34 28/05/2012 31/05/2017