08/14
Case Study 1
Liam
Liam has just left school at the end of S4.
Liam was successful in gaining four National 3 and two National 4 qualifications and an ASDAN
Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (SCQF L4, 12 credit points). He also completed a Youth
Achievement Bronze Award (SCQF L4, 7 credit points) through his local Army Cadets.
Liam has always preferred practical work to theory and has had some experience helping his
uncle who runs a local garage. His uncle thinks that he shows potential and would be willing to
offer him paid work if he manages to get some proper training. Liam thinks that a college course in
motor vehicle skills may help him in pursuing this goal.
Working in groups and in discussion complete the following
1. Using the information above and the Framework, enter Liam’s qualifications and credit
points into the table below.
2. Read the information about the Motor Vehicle Studies course. Would you advise Liam to
consider this course? Please explain your answer.
3. How will the work experience opportunity help Liam in future employment?
4. One of the core skills Liam would develop is ‘Communication’. How would Liam use this
when working as a mechanic?
5. What SCQF level would Liam reach by completing this course?
6. How will Liam’s future prospects change on completing this course?
Qualification Credit Points SCQF Level
TOTAL Points
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West Lothian College
08/14
Case Study 2
Lesley Ann
Lesley Ann has just left school at the end of S4.
Lesley Ann really enjoyed her time at school, with her favourite subjects being HE and Art. She
worked hard and achieved one National 2 and four National 3 qualifications.
Lesley Ann would like a job in retail but has no experience. Whilst still at school her Guidance
teacher advised her to make an appointment to talk to the school’s Career Adviser. This was
helpful as it directed Lesley Ann to a college course which would provide an insight into retail.
She has applied for a place on the ‘Introduction to Fashion Retailing Course’.
1. Using the information above and the copy of the Framework, enter Lesley Ann’s
qualifications and credit points into the table below.
Qualification Credit Points SCQF Level
TOTAL Points
2. When Lesley Ann completes this course, she will have a qualification at SCQF 4? Does this
mean she has moved on in relation to the development of her skills and knowledge?
3. What would you advise Lesley Ann do next? Please give reasons for your answer?
4. This course help develop skills in numeracy. How will Lesley Ann use this skill when she is
in employment in the retail industry?
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Dundee College
08/14
Case Study 3
Beth
Beth has just left school at the end of S5.
Beth has always been motivated to achieve her goal to work in hairdressing. She achieved Higher
Business Management, 3 National 5 qualifications and 8 National 4 qualifications.
She also achieved a Youth Achievement Platinum Award (SCQF 7, 16 credit points) through a
volunteering scheme with a local charity.
Beth is keen to gain as much experience as she can and has a Saturday job in a local
Hairdressing Salon. She wants to work for herself one day, to ‘be her own boss’ and have her own
salon. Beth has applied for an NC in Hairdressing to get her started on her career journey.
Using the information above and the copy of the Framework, enter Beth’s qualifications and credit
points into the table below.
NAME
Qualification Credit Points SCQF Level
TOTAL Points
1. What SCQF level would this take Beth to when she completes this course?
2. What types of assessment will Beth undergo on this course?
3. List 5 different skills the course will cover.
4. What are Beth’s options after completing this course?
5. Is this a good choice for Beth and how could she progress from here to owning her own
business?
08/14
New Lanarkshire College - Coatbridge Campus
NC in Hairdressing
08/14
Case Study 4
Jonathan
Jonathan has just left school at the end of S6. He has achieved
Six Highers (3 As, 2Bs and 1C) and eight National 5 qualifications.
Due to personal reasons Jonathan only applied to local universities to study engineering but was
unsuccessful in gaining a place. He sought advice as to what to do next. Keen to continue in
education, his Careers Adviser advised him to look at college courses that would allow him to
develop his learning with the intention of advancing to university next year. Jonathan has applied
to college to study an HNC in Engineering Systems.
1. Enter Jonathan’s qualifications and credit points into the table below using the information
above and the copy of the Framework.
Qualification Credit Points SCQF Level
TOTAL Points
2. Colleges, universities and employers look for individuals who can demonstrate a wide
range of skills and experiences. What advice would you have given to Jonathan at the end
of S4 to broaden his skills/experience. Would he be able to demonstrate that experience on
the Framework?
3. Jonathon will be studying at HNC and HND levels, where do these qualifications sit on the
Framework.
4. What are Jonathan’s options after completing this course?
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University of the Highlands and Islands
Perth College
Engineering Systems HNC
08/14
Case Study 5
Sarah
Sarah has just finished S5 at school. Sarah’s family has always had a wide range of pets, from
cats and dogs to more exotic lizards and geckos. She has four National 3 and four National 4
qualifications. In S4 she also completed an ASDAN Level 2 Certificate in Personal Effectiveness
(SCQF Level 5, 12 credit points).
During her fifth year, she was fortunate enough to gain a week’s work experience in a vet’s
practice and this has given her an insight into employment in this field.
She would like to work in a vet’s practice or a private kennel but would like a formal qualification in
animal care which is offered at Elmwood College.
Using the information above and the Framework, enter Sarah’s qualifications and credit points into
the table below.
Qualification Credit Points SCQF Level
TOTAL Points
1. What skills would Sarah have to demonstrate if she is to gain a place on this course?
2. What SCQF level is the course?
3. Do you think this is a good choice for Sarah? Please explain your answer.?
4. What SCQF level would Sarah reach by completing this course?
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Elmwood Campus, SRUC
08/14
Case Study 6
Craig
Craig has reached the end of S5. He has achieved Higher English (C), Higher PE (B). Craig also
has 3 National 5 (one in Home Economics) and five National 4 qualifications. He gained a Silver
Youth Achievement Award (SCQF 5, 11 credit points) for the volunteer work he did in his local
community centre running a sports club and helping out in the community café. He is a keen
basketball player and enjoys cooking.
Although unsure about his next step in learning, Craig is quite keen to develop his cookery skills
and perhaps begin work in the hospitality industry.
1. Using the information above and the copy of the Framework, enter Craig’s qualifications
and credit points into the table below.
Qualification Credit Points SCQF Level
TOTAL Points
2. Figure 1 below describes the skills developed when achieving a Youth Achievement Award.
How will these skills be useful in the Hospitality Industry? Please explain your answer?
3. Is this course a good choice for Craig? Please explain your answer.
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Figure 1
FutureSkills Scotland: Employers Survey
A
FutureSkills Scotland Employers Survey found the gaps employers are looking for in their
employees' skills. The design of Youth Achievement Awards means they support young
people to develop at least the top four skills in the adjacent table. Other skills developed
depend on the particular activities undertaken for each Award.
08/14
SRUC – Elmwood Campus
08/14
Case Study 7
Isam
Isam has just completed fifth year at school. He has achieved the following:
2 x Highers 5 x National 5 Qualifications
5 x National 4 Qualifications 1 x National 3 Qualifications
Isam plays bass guitar in a local band and as part of his Higher Music he was introduced to Sound
Engineering.
He does not have the suitable qualifications to pursue a course in Sound Engineering so hopes to
build his competence in all aspects of music before specialising in this field.
1. Using the information above and the copy of the Framework, list Isam’s qualifications and
credit points into the table below.
Qualification Credit Points SCQF Level
08/14
TOTAL Points
2. Is this a good choice for Isam? Please explain your answer.
3. What specific requirements are needed for entry to the course apart from his qualifications?
4. What possible career opportunities may there be on completion of the course? Will this
course help Isam to progress to Sound Engineering?
University of the Highlands and Islands, Perth College
08/14
Case Study 8
Chris
Chris has reached the end of S4 and is considering his future.
He would like to go to college to do a course on construction or introduction to electrical wiring.
He has two National 3 qualifications in French and History, four National 4 qualifications in English, Craft &
Design, Graphics and Music and two National 5 qualifications in Maths and Physics.
He really enjoys practical subjects and is not sure if he should continue his learning at college or apply for
an apprenticeship. He has a job at the week-end, working with his aunt who is a qualified electrician.
1. Using the information above and the copy of the Framework, enter Chris’ qualifications and credit
points into the table below.
Qualification Credit Points SCQF Level
08/14
TOTAL Points
2. Chris has 3 options: a. To stay on at school b. To go to college c. To apply for the apprenticeship
3. What advice would you give Chris regarding his future? Please record the reasons for your
advice.
Job Outline
POST OF: Apprentice Electrician £7,500 - £8,200 (is this per annum? Would need to clarify this)
COMPANY : European Contract Services Ltd
08/14
ATTRIBUTES ESSENTIAL The minimum acceptable levels for safe and effective job performance
DESIRABLE The attributes of the ideal candidate
PROFESSIONAL/
EDUCATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS
National 5 in Maths and 1 Science preferably Physics National 4 in English
Or qualifications equivalent to SCQF level 5
Work experience in a construction setting
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
relevant experience in recognised trade
Confident in dealing with members of the public
Qualified First Aider
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS AND MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of Health & Safety procedures
Knowledge of the safe use of tools/equipment associated with trade
Knowledge of British Standard Regulations
Customer care skills
Able to respond to deadlines
PERSONAL FEATURES/ QUALITIES
Effective team member
Enthusiastic and flexible approach
ANY ADDITIONAL JOB RELATED REQUIREMENTS
Pending Provisional UK driving licence Full British Passport
Training will be given to the applicant and they will be expected to attend college to complete an NC Electrician @ SCQF level 5.
PREPARED BY: I M Spark DESIGNATION: HAS Manager DATE: Jan 2014
APPROVED BY: I M Spark DESIGNATION: HAS Manager DATE: Jan 2014