Core skills
Core skills enable people to put their knowledge, understanding, experience and skills into new environments and situations in life, work and training. They underpin and promote learning development, providing a foundation for lifelong learning and personal development.
Embedded within the plumbing and heating qualification are the five core skills that are needed in many work environments, such as domestic houses, commercial properties and construction sites. Jobs within the plumbing and heating industry require some level of ability and knowledge in some or all aspects of these skills.
The core skills within the plumbing and heating qualification are developed and maintained by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) and range from SCQF Level 5 & 6.
The five core skills are:
- Communication
- Information technology
- Numeracy
- Problem solving
- Working with others
Communication
Communication skills are abilities you use when giving and receiving different kinds of information. Communication typically happens in one of three ways: verbal, non verbal and visual.
The Communication Core Skill includes the below content:
- Oral communication
- Written communication.
For more information on the Communication Core Skill click here.
Information technology
Information technology (IT) skills are abilities, knowledge and talents related to the use, administration, development, design and management of technology.
The Information Technology Core Skill includes the below content:
- Accessing information
- Providing/creating information.
For more information on the Information Core Skill click here.
Numeracy
Numeracy skills are basic mathematical skills that include a range of abilities to understand and analyse numerical information and to make the right conclusions and decisions.
The Numeracy Core Skill includes the below content:
- Using numbers
- Using graphical information.
For more information on the Numeracy Core Skill click here.
Problem solving
Problem solving is the ability to distinguish between different types of mental skill such as analytical and creative which helps tackle problems in everyday situations.
The Problem Solving Core Skill includes the below content:
- Critical thinking
- Planning and organising
- Reviewing and evaluating.
For more information on the Problem Solving Core Skill click here.
Working with others
Working with others skills provide the ability to work and cooperate with others in everyday life to identify and achieve shared goals.
The Working With Others Core Skill includes the below content:
- Working co-operatively with others
- Reviewing co-operative contribution.
For more information on the Working With Others Core Skill click here.
Core skills signposting
For a more detailed overview on where the Plumbing and Heating Core Skills are embedded within the Plumbing and Heating Modern Apprenticeship, please view this document here.
