• Skillseekers

Skillseekers is a National Training Programme funded by Scottish Enterprise.

Hospitality Training delivers the programme locally on behalf of Scottish Enterprise Grampian

Who can take part?
Skillseekers is a training programme for young people who want to develop skills and equip themselves for the world of work. It's open to people who have left school and have a job or who are looking for work. For the year ended 31 March 2005 60% of those participating on the Skillseekers programme achieved Level 2 qualification.

Young people between the ages of 16 and 19 can take part in Skillseekers. The only exception is students who are still at school or who are in further or higher education. In some cases, people up to the age of 25 can take part in the programme, especially if you are training for a job that needs higher skills.

Which qualification will I be working towards?
In most cases, a Vocational Qualification - either Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) or a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). VQs are a measure of the skills and knowledge you have developed in doing the job itself. They are assessed practically and not based on your ability to pass exams. VQs are recognised and accepted by industry throughout the country. Skillseekers is a training programme for young people who want to develop skills and equip themselves for the world of work. It's open to people who have left school and have a job or who are looking for work.

Which level will I choose?
Different jobs require different level of skill and therefore training. More complicated jobs need higher levels of skill of the people doing them. Typically, skillseekers are learning skills at Level II, the equivalent of five standard grades.

A rough guide is:

• Level I - foundation or unskilled work
• Level II - semi-skilled / a broad range of skills and responsibilities
• Level III - complex / technical / skilled and / or supervisory work
• Level IV - managerial / specialist
• Level V - professional / senior managerial

Is there a qualification for every job?
Just about. There is a wide range of opportunities available through Skillseekers, including some you might never have thought about. Ask your guidance teacher or careers adviser for copies of case-studies featuring Skillseekers working in your area. Another route from Skillseekers is a Modern Apprenticeship.

Can I use Skillseekers with any employer?
Yes, but only if your employer is willing to train you to at least VQ Level II. If you cannot find the type of job you want in your area, it may be possible to look for one further afield.