Soft Skills In Action Launch

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Reid Kerr College and Renfrewshire Council have joined forces to develop a Soft-Skills Training pack for all Schools in the Renfrewshire area providing vital steps towards employability and a successful future. This is only one of a number of resources being developed by the partnership with the training pack focusing on the soft-skills required in the workplace. The pack concentrates on both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques that employers claim young people lack when entering the job market. This view has recently been endorsed by both the CBI and Learn Direct Scotland.

The DVD was produced by the Creative Arts Department at Reid Kerr College using acting students in specially devised learning scenarios and piloted by school pupils representing the Renfrewshire Schools in Saturday morning drama workshops at the college. The supporting teaching notes are being prepared by the drama team in partnership with lecturers and teachers who will be working jointly throughout the next year to improve the interpersonal skills needed to help the pupils gain employment.

The launch of this innovative initiative recently took place at the Abercorn Conference Centre in Reid Kerr College. Invited guests, including a variety of educational specialists, employers and teachers viewed the showcased DVD and were treated to a live presentation of some of the scenes that the pilot group have been working on. In addition, several leading employers including Clark Contracts, David Lloyd Sports Centre and Abbey Mill Nursery were invited to join the discussion to add comment to the initiative and lend support to this project.

John Rooney, Director of Education and Leisure, Renfrewshire Council said “The content of the DVD deals with the interpersonal skills regarded by employers as an essential requirement for young people entering the world of work. It will form part of and enhance the personal and social education element of the Renfrewshire vocational education programme delivered in schools.

I am confident that it will be of great benefit to staff and pupils.”

Reid Kerr College Principal Joe Mooney said, “Reid Kerr is delighted to work in partnership with Renfrewshire Council and be associated with this important initiative which helps to raise awareness of the essential personal and social skills that are required to succeed in today’s workplace.”

Press Release: Thursday 8 June 2006