Employment Skills Workshop

Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 6 students
Student Profile: SEND Further Education (FE) students (16-19 years old)
Curriculum Reference:

• National Curriculum for England, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education), KS5 focusing on Employability and Personal Development
• Themes: Resilience, Communication, Self-Belief, Confidence
• Relevant Standards:
  • Developing personal effectiveness and employability skills to manage careers
  • Using communication effectively in a variety of contexts
  • Building self-awareness and confidence for positive mental health and social engagement

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will be able to:

1. Resilience: Identify strategies to cope with setbacks in work or volunteering contexts.
2. Communication: Demonstrate clear verbal and non-verbal communication skills in a role-play activity.
3. Self-Belief: Recognise their personal strengths and how these contribute to employability.
4. Confidence: Practice presenting themselves confidently during a simulated interview or volunteering query.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed cue cards for role plays (simple scenarios)
• Sticky notes and pens
• Small mirror (for confidence building activity)
• Visual timers or timer app
• Individual reflection sheets

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Activity: Icebreaker – “Strengths Spotlight”

• Each student writes one personal strength on a sticky note.
• Teacher sticks them on the board and briefly discusses how these strengths are valuable in employment and volunteering roles.
• Reference to National Curriculum: Building self-awareness (PSHE Framework KS5, personal development).

Teacher Script:
“Knowing your strengths helps you believe in yourself. Today, we will practise using those strengths to get ready for work or volunteering.”

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2. Exploring Resilience (10 minutes)

Activity: Group discussion and scenario problem-solving

• Teacher presents simple workplace setbacks, e.g., “You make a mistake in a task” or “You don’t get the volunteer role you wanted.”
• Students discuss with prompts: What can you do to bounce back? Who can you ask for help?
• Teacher models positive language for resilience, reinforcing “It’s okay to make mistakes and keep trying.”

Curriculum Link: Managing setbacks builds resilience, a key personal skill for young people (PSHE, Health & Wellbeing).

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3. Communication Practice (15 minutes)

Activity: Role-Play in Pairs

• Provide role-play cards based on typical work or volunteering tasks:
  • Greeting a supervisor
  • Asking for help
  • Giving a short introduction about yourself
• Student pairs take turns practising, then give each other positive feedback guided by a checklist: eye contact, clear voice, polite words.
• Teacher supports with prompts and models good communication.

Assessment: Teacher observes and notes communication skills, providing immediate positive reinforcement.

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4. Self-Belief and Confidence Building (15 minutes)

Activity 1: Mirror Exercise

• Each student spends 2-3 minutes looking in the mirror practising a short positive statement about their abilities (e.g., “I am good at learning new things,” “I am ready to help others”).
• Students then share aloud in pairs or small group.

Activity 2: Mock Interview Question

• Teacher asks a simple question related to volunteering or employment (e.g., “Why would you be a good volunteer?”).
• Each student responds in turn to build confidence speaking in front of others.

Curriculum Connection: Supports confidence and self-awareness, aligned with the National Curriculum’s focus on personal development and positive mental health.

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5. Reflection and Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

Activity: Reflection Sheet Completion and Group Sharing

• Students complete a simple reflection sheet:
  • What was one thing I did well today?
  • One thing I want to get better at?
• Teacher facilitates a group reflection circle, reinforcing that developing these skills takes time and practice.
• Teacher outlines how these skills link to future employment or volunteering opportunities.

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Assessment and Next Steps

• Formative Assessment: Through observations during role plays, discussions, and presentations.
• Self-Assessment: Reflection sheets measure personal insight and engagement.
• Teacher Feedback: Positive verbal feedback during class and notes for individual progress.

Next Steps:

• Provide students with a tailored action plan for further developing these skills (e.g., attending a local volunteering scheme, practising interviews).
• Suggest linking activities with a careers advisor or work coach for personalised support.

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Differentiation and SEND Adaptations

• Use simple, clear language and visual aids throughout the lesson.
• Provide role-play scripts written in easy-to-read format.
• Allow extended wait times for responses.
• Offer one-to-one support or peer buddy where needed.
• Implement calming or sensory breaks if required.

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This lesson plan combines practical activities, curriculum-aligned objectives, and inclusive teaching strategies to develop vital employment-related skills effectively for SEND FE students.