Occupational Skills Programme: Workplace Preparation
QCTO Accreditation No. 07-QCTO/SDP280426211439
> SAQA ID: SP-201201
> NQF Level: 2
> Credits: 30
> Duration: 30 Days
About the Workplace Preparation programme
The Workplace Preparation programme develops the practical skills and confidence needed to look for work, prepare for employment and adjust successfully to a workplace. Learners develop capability across job searching, CVs and interviews, professionalism, workplace expectations, communication, teamwork, time and money management, problem-solving and personal development.
The programme is designed to bridge an important gap: knowing how to do a job is not the same as knowing how to find work, enter a workplace and function effectively once you are there.
Who is this programme for?
The programme is particularly suited to young people, school leavers and unemployed learners preparing to enter employment, as well as people undertaking work experience who need stronger foundations for succeeding in a workplace.
It is also useful where someone has technical or academic learning but has had limited exposure to the practical realities of job searching, interviews, workplace behaviour and managing themselves as an employee.
What will you be able to do?
On completion of the programme, learners develop the ability to:
- Understand themselves better: evaluate personal strengths, attributes and areas for development when making career and employment decisions.
- Search for suitable work: identify opportunities and approach the job search more systematically.
- Prepare a professional application: develop a CV and cover letter that can be used when applying for work.
- Handle interviews more effectively: prepare for interviews, communicate appropriately and practise responding to workplace scenarios.
- Understand workplace expectations: recognise what professionalism, reliability and appropriate workplace behaviour look like.
- Manage time and money: plan time more effectively and use basic personal budgeting skills.
- Work with other people: communicate and contribute constructively as part of a team.
- Solve everyday workplace problems: apply problem-solving and critical-thinking skills rather than simply reacting to difficulties.
- Protect themselves and others at work: understand basic workplace safety and responsible behaviour.
Workplace Preparation Course Modules
| KNOWLEDGE COMPONENT | Credits | NQF |
| Why work and why you matter | 15 Credits | Level 2 |
| Job Search and growth mindset | ||
| Know yourself to grow yourself | ||
| Expectations | ||
| Professionalism | ||
| Onboarding – Getting it right | ||
| Succeeding in the workplace | ||
| Money Management I | ||
| Money Management II | ||
| Time Management | ||
| Interview and Communication | ||
| Teamwork | ||
| Problem-solving and critical thinking | ||
| Beat COVID-19 | ||
| PRACTICAL COMPONENT | ||
| CV Preparation and Cover Letter | 15 Credits | Level 2 |
| Interviews role-play | ||
| Personal Budget Development | ||
| Teamwork |
Learn more:
What is a Workplace Preparation course?
A Workplace Preparation course helps people develop the practical skills needed to search for employment, apply for jobs, prepare for interviews and adjust to the expectations of a working environment.
The QCTO programme also develops areas such as professionalism, teamwork, communication, time management, money management and problem-solving.
Do I need a qualification to enrol?
No formal prior qualification is specified. The registered programme has open access, making it suitable for learners who may be preparing to enter employment for the first time.
Is Workplace Preparation only for unemployed people?
It is primarily designed to prepare young and unemployed learners for work placement, but the skills can also benefit people already entering a workplace or undertaking workplace experience who need stronger foundations for succeeding at work.
What is the difference between Workplace Preparation and Workplace Essential Skills?
Workplace Preparation (NQF Level 2) focuses primarily on getting ready to enter employment: job searching, CVs, interviews, professionalism, self-management, money management and basic workplace readiness.
Workplace Essential Skills (NQF Level 4) goes further into functioning effectively as an employee once inside an organisation, including employment relationships, contracts, workplace policies, performance expectations, ethics, health and safety and workplace participation.
