Skills Development Scotland - Skillseekers. National vocational training programme.

Skillseekers

What is Skillseekers?

Skillseekers has been specially designed for young people between 16 and 19 who have left school and aren't in further or higher education. The programme helps them to develop their skills and get better equipped for the world of work, whether they're looking for work or already in a job.

How does it work?

Skillseekers enables young people to train to nationally recognised standards at SVQ level 2 or level 3. It is invaluable for those young people who are looking for work because they can use the programme to gain practical work experience through a work placement. Approved training providers deliver the training and work with the Skillseeker to ensure their needs and requirements are being met. The national learning opportunities database has details of all the training on offer. Please note you must enter 'Skillseekers' in the subject field of the course search to obtain the most relevant results.

Which qualifications does Skillseekers lead to?

In most cases, a vocational qualification - either a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) or a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) - all recognised and accepted by industry throughout the UK. VQs are a measure of practical skills and knowledge, and are assessed on this, rather than exams.

The trainee works through units or modules until they achieve the level of experience and knowledge required for their job. They're assessed either at the college, training centre or in their workplace.

Where does level 2 fit?

The level of VQ depends on the type of job the trainee does: different jobs require different levels of skill and training. Typically, Skillseekers are learning skills at level 2, the equivalent of five standard grades.

A rough guide is:

level 1 - foundation or unskilled work
level 2 - semi-skilled/a broad range of skills and responsibilities
level 3 - complex/technical/skilled and/or supervisory work
level 4 - managerial/specialist
level 5 - professional/senior managerial.

Is there a qualification for every job?

Almost - there's a wide range of opportunities available through Skillseekers. If you're interested in taking a Skillseekers course, your guidance teacher or careers adviser can provide you with Skillseekers' success stories who are working in your area. Another route from Skillseekers is a Modern Apprenticeship [link to page].

How much does it cost?

It costs the trainee nothing. Trainees who are in a job and on Skillseekers will get a wage at the going rate. Those who are not employed but are training in a work placement will get a training allowance.

I would like to take part, how can I get involved?

If you're interested in joining Skillseekers as a trainee, contact your nearest Careers Scotland Centre or call 0845 8 502 502.

I'm a learning provider, how do I get involved?

Learning providers can find out more about this programme by clicking here.