Employability skills are crucial for young people as they provide a foundation for success in the professional world and go beyond academic knowledge and technical expertise, encompassing a range of interpersonal, communication, and practical abilities.

Employers report that, too often, young people applying for employment opportunities or taking part in interviews lack the necessary skills to be successful in the post.

We have built the project around the SkillsBuilder framework, which focuses on developing a set of essential skills that are crucial for success in education, employment, and life in general.

These skills are organized into eight key essential skills "Building Blocks." The framework aims to provide a structured approach to developing these skills, fostering the holistic development of individuals. Here are the eight Building Blocks in the SkillsBuilder framework:

1. Listening: The ability to give and receive focused attention to understand information accurately.
2. Speaking: The capacity to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly and appropriately.
3. Problem Solving: The skill of analysing situations, identifying challenges, and devising effective solutions.
4. Creativity: The ability to think creatively, generate ideas, and apply imaginative thinking to solve problems.
5. Staying Positive: Developing a positive mindset, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges.
6. Aiming High: Setting and working toward personal and professional goals with determination and ambition.
7. Leadership: The capability to take initiative, guide others, and work effectively in a team.
8. Teamwork: Collaborating with others, understanding different perspectives, and contributing positively to group efforts.

To help foster these skills in school-age students, we have developed a series of employability tasks, to be downloaded and used as necessary, all framed within the context of local employers.