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What is Working With Others?

Key skills are skills that are commonly needed for success in a range of activities in education and training, work and life in general. The key skills units aim to develop and recognise candidates` ability to apply these skills in ways that are appropriate to different contexts. The objective is to improve the quality of learning and performance. The key skills units are designed to recognise candidates` progression in terms of both techniques and the application of skills.

From September 2004, working with others, improving own learning and performance and problem solving will be pilot qualifications. This means candidates will attain a national qualification on the NQF rather than a unit certificate.

Working with Others focuses on the ability of the individual to meet their own responsibilities and work cooperatively, in a pair or a group of people, for the purpose of achieving shared objectives. Candidates are required to have regard for others.

  • The unit is designed to develop candidates' ability to plan and organise activities.
  • The aim of the specifications for Working with Others is to encourage students to develop and demonstrate their ability to work cooperatively with others and to achieve shared objectives. Candidates learn how to review progress and improve performance by using different methods of working and by learning to achieve objectives and targets.
  • The specifications include two different types of skills:
    • process skills, eg planning, organising tasks, reviewing progress. In other words, how to get the job done
    • interpersonal skills, eg responding appropriately to the views and feelings of others, offering support and encouragement, helping to resolve conflict.
  • Care must be taken that the assessment is not a judgement of worth, personality or value of an individual, or imply that candidates are failing as people if they do not yet possess certain qualities.
  • At level 1, candidates are required to show they can work in a one-to-one situation and in a group or team situation. At Levels 2, 3 and 4 candidates must show they can work in a group or team situation.
  • Above level 1, one example must show candidates can work in a group or team situation, leaving it open as to whether the second example is one to one or group/team work.
  • At levels 1 and 2, two discrete examples can be used. At levels 3 and 4, one example of meeting the standard is required.
  • At level 3, progress must be checked on two occasions (for WO3.2).
  • At level 4, constructive feedback on progress must be exchanged (for WO4.2).
  • To gain qualification at levels 1-4 candidates must produce a portfolio of evidence (that is internally assessed and moderated, and externally moderated by an awarding body) and must address a series of questions relating to Part A (refer to your awarding body for further details).

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