Page 4 - Pathways to Your Future

Confused? Don’t know what type of job you want?
That’s ok, many people end up in rewarding jobs they never imagined they
would be doing. This could be due to many differing factors and lifestyle
choices.
The key element if you are undecided on what to do, is to keep your options
open, this way you will have more options to choose during your career journey.
This section will focus on skills, jobs and subject areas that will provide you
with core transferable skills that all employers require.
Core Competencies
Core competencies are important life skills that you gain as you
grow. They aren't formal educational qualifications, but rather
essential abilities you develop through life experiences, extra
training, and self-learning.
Although not formal qualifications, employers see these
competencies as critical skills and will prioritise recruitment
based on the candidate’s core competency levels, e.g. if 2
competing candidates for 1 job role have the same skill and
qualification levels, the employer will usually offer the role to the
candidate with higher core competence levels.
Core Competence Examples:
➢ Numeracy
➢ Literacy & understanding written / verbal
instruction
➢ Communication
➢ Customer service
➢ Confidence
➢ Problem Solving / Creative Thinking
➢ Planning & Organising
➢ Leadership
➢ Work ethic & attention to detail
➢ Diligence
➢ Self-Motivated
➢ Punctuality & Reliability
➢ Basic digital knowledge (core office computer
programmes)
Whilst not everyone will be confident that they have
these competencies and many are gained via life
experience, it's important however, that you try and
demonstrate them to employers by referencing
additional projects, hobbies etc to show you have
the relevant core competencies they require.
How do I gain Core Competencies via experience?
There are various ways:
✓ Work Experience Jobs Growth Wales: Jobs Growth Wales Plus | Working Wales
If you are studying for a more academic route or still undecided on your
future, gaining experience in a service industry such as, retail,
hospitality, leisure or a charitable organisation, will provide you with
that valuable experience employers are looking for. Service industries
will often offer part-time or full-time roles to suit your current work life
balance. Service industries offer the most rounded core competency
business experience.
✓ Performing arts
How about trying some creative industries. You don’t have to formally
study the subject; you could volunteer at a local drama / performing
arts club or join a choir / band. This will give you vital confidence
boosting skills as well as planning, preparation, teamwork & creative
thinking
✓ Sports and team or group-based hobbies
Sports (including esports, & team gaming) and group focussed hobbies,
are all activities you will gain vital core competencies, such as,
teamwork, attention to detail, planning, strategy and problem solving.
You don’t have to compete in sport / hobby, you could offer a vital
support role.
There are Fit For Work training courses
available across the region which will
help improve core competencies,
check your local college or training
providers.