Preparation for Employment Award SCQF level 4 and 5

The Preparation for Employment Awards at SCQF levels 4 and 5 are designed for learners who are gaining work experience with a prospective employer in preparation for direct employment or employment as an apprentice. The awards will help learners to develop knowledge in basic personal finance, appropriate behaviour in the workplace, roles and responsibilities in the workplace, and the function and structure of the organisation that they are working for. Learners will also reflect on the skills they have, the skills they are developing, and the skills they may need for future employment opportunities.

Achievement of each award is nationally recognised.

Each award is made up of two units:

These awards may be available through schools, colleges, community organisations, and volunteer-involving organisations (VIOs).

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Why deliver this qualification

These awards have a wide potential market. They are likely to suit young learners approaching the end of full-time education, regardless of academic experience or ability.

Centres have the flexibility to choose the delivery method which best suits their circumstances and their learners.

The awards could be used as preparation for the world of work, either in an apprenticeship or in a direct employment role.

Who does this qualification suit

The Preparation for Employment Awards at SCQF levels 4 & 5 may be suitable for:

  • S3-S6 pupils
  • school leavers
  • college students
  • trainees preparing for employment

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

No specific prior knowledge or qualifications are required to undertake these awards.

Progression

This award may aid progression to:

  • a Modern Apprenticeship
  • direct employment

Approval

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

These awards will be available to any centre that has automatic approval. Centres that do not have automatic approval should seek approval in the normal way and, if necessary, they can contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance on the approval process.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide. The specific delivery requirements are set out in the group award specification (arrangements document).

How to assess

Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.

Awards are not graded.

Each unit is assessed separately. Each unit requires the candidate to produce written or oral work, which, in most cases, is research-based or is drawn from personal experience. Some evidence will also be based on the candidate's practical experience.

Assessment can take place at appropriate points as candidates progress through the tasks within the units. Evidence of assessment can be presented in a format that best suits the individual candidates and the activities being undertaken.

Assessment support packs for all units are available to download from SQA's secure site.

Where can you take this course?

Qualification content and delivery tools

Information about the qualification(s)

Qualification Structure

Group award codes: GN9R 44 (level 4) and GN9P 45 (level 5)

Each award is worth 12 SCQF credit points.

The Preparation for Employment Awards at SCQF levels 4 & 5 each consist of two mandatory units (12 SCQF credit points).

Preparation for Employment Award (level 4)

To achieve the Preparation for Employment Award at level 4, a learner must achieve the following two units:

Code Unit title SQA credit SCQF credit SCQF level
HC4P 44 Developing Essential Skills 1 6 4
HX50 44 Practical Skills for Employment 1 6 4

Preparation for Employment Award (level 5)

To achieve the Preparation for Employment Award at level 5, a learner must achieve the following two units:

Code Unit title SQA credit SCQF credit SCQF level
HC4P 45 Developing Essential Skills 1 6 5
HX50 45 Practical Skills for Employment 1 6 5

Group award specification