ASDAN Employability Qualifications
at Entry Level 2, Entry Level 3, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3
Download the Entry 2 information sheet
Download the Entry 3 and Level 1 information sheet
Download the Level 2 and Level 3 information sheet
What are the ASDAN Employability Qualifications?
These qualifications provide a framework for developing and recognising general employability skills. Originally only available at Level 1 and Entry Level 3, Employability qualifications have now been approved at Level 2 and Level 3. The Entry Level 2 Qualification should be available shortly.
Who are they for?
The Entry 3 and Level 1 qualifications are intended for young people and adults who are not yet ready for employment but for whom a job is a realistic aim within a reasonable timescale.
The Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications aim to help learners develop employability skills within occupational settings, allowing them to build on their employability skills and acquire transferable skills that will help them progress in their current situation and in the wider world of work.
Structure of the qualifications
The Entry 3 and Level 1 qualifications have 4 mandatory units. The Level 2 and 3 qualifications have 2 mandatory units. The rest of the units are optional.
- All units are credit rated (a credit is broadly equivalent to 10 learning hours).
- Full awards require 8 credits and need to include all of the mandatory units.
- Full certificates require 13 credits and need to include all of the mandatory units.
- Unit awards are available.
| Entry 3 and Level 1 units | Level 2 units | Level 3 units | Planning and reviewing learning | Planning and reviewing learning | Planning and reviewing learning | Maintaining work standards | Team working | Team working | Communication skills | Working to good practice standards | Working to good practice standards | Teamwork | Tackling problems | Tackling problems | Exploring Job Opportunities | Career exploration | Career exploration | Applying for a job | Research skills | Research skills | Tackling number problems | Meetings in the workplace | Project management | Health and Safety | Using ICT in the workplace | Rights and responsibilities | Managing personal finance as an employee | Customer care | Introduction to customer care |
Click on the links below to download the standards for each level, which include details of credit ratings and which units are mandatory:
Assessment
In order to achive an ASDAN Employability qualification, learners must produce a portfolio of evidence. The evidence is internally assessed and moderated, and then externally moderated by ASDAN. It is expected that most external moderation will take place by post. If requested, ASDAN can provide a pre-moderation check before first submissions.
New Employability Book
This new student book contains activity-based teaching and learning activites designed to develop employability skills at Entry Level 3 and Level 1. It can provide short course award accreditation and prepare students for ASDAN Employability qualifications. It can also be purchased by those who may wish to develop employability skills without registering for ASDAN qualifications or awards.
Click here to access a sample version of the book and download the order form here. This book is available to purchase via ASDAN's online catalogue.
Status
The qualifications have been accredited by QCA, DCELLS and CCEA within the Qualifications and Credit Framework.ASDAN Level 1 Award in Employability: (QCF) 500/1727/5
ASDAN Level 1 Certificate in Employability: (QCF) 500/3722/5
ASDAN Entry 3 Award in Employability: (QCF) 500/1728/7
ASDAN Entry 3 Certificate in Employability: (QCF) 500/3727/5
The Level 1 Award will contribute 12.5 points towards School/College Performance Tables, 10% of the Level 1 threshold. The Entry 3 Award is worth 3.5 points.
We are awaiting confirmation of what points the new certificates and Levels 2 and 3 are worth.
Foundation Learning Tier Progression Pathways
Please click here to download information about this qualification's eligibility for use in the Foundation Learning Tier national pilot of Progression Pathways.
Training
Details of forthcoming Employability workshops can be found on the Employability Training and Events page.
FAQ
Q: How are the ASDAN Employability qualifications normally delivered?A: They will normally be delivered through a combination of training centre/classroom based activities and work placement learning. They are also being used to practise literacy and numeracy skills alongside employability skills (e.g. within the National Employability Skills Programme for adults in England)
Q: What is the value of the Employability qualifications?
A: Learners should be in a better position to ‘sell themselves’ to potential employers by demonstrating and owning a range of skills and qualities that employers look for. The qualifications have national approval in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and have been developed with the support of the national LSC in England, and ASSET.
Q: How much do Employability qualifications cost?
A: Click here to access the costs page, which features information about registration costs for the Employability qualifications. Please also take into account the annual centre registration fee if you are not yet registered with ASDAN.
Q: How can my centre start running the Employability qualifications?
A: If you are not yet registered with ASDAN, your first step is to complete an Application for Centre Registration Form.
Current ASDAN centres need to ensure Employability is added to their centre's registration. To do this, please complete the Additional Networks registration form.
Following registration, you will be able to access materials and guidance on the secure area of the website. Your centre will be allocated an ASDAN External Moderator, who will provide advice and support.
ASDAN provides introductory training workshops and can arrange in-house training.Q: What progression routes are available?
A: The Employability qualifications provide a baseline of employability skills from which learners can progress to a range of options, including vocational education and training and employment.
The Entry Level 3 and Level 1 qualifications can contribute up to 6 credits towards the ASDAN Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) and the ASDAN Silver Award. Up to 3 credits can count towards the ASDAN Bronze Award.
Secure Area for registered centres
Once your centre is registered with ASDAN for the Employability qualifications, you can access further information and resources via the website's Secure Area.
It contains all relevant updates, essential documents, meeting information and resources, and enables you to:
- Download resources, including guidance, standards, candidate records and checklists
- Register your candidate numbers and names
- View updated support meeting dates
- Purchase materials from the online ASDAN catalogue
- Check the list of candidates registered from your centre
There is no limit to the number of people from a centre who can register for a Secure Area password.
You can register for a password online, by clicking here to access the request form.
For further information about ASDAN's Employability Qualifications...
Contact Steve Harper at ASDAN.