Prepare - Skills

A Partnership between

Barclays & Learning for Life

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Intent

No matter how much a learner may enjoy the subject content of a programme of study, there comes a moment when they wonder how useful what they are learning will be in the real world. Barclays provided an opportunity for learners to meet experts from the financial services sector to explain the types of opportunities available and explore how best the learners could market their skills to capitalise on those opportunities.

Implementation

Barclays Life Skills delivered an interactive masterclass to help learners identify a range of work-related skills and behaviours essential for employment generally. Learners then assessed their own skills and behaviours, connecting them to specific job roles. Noted deficits and planned actions aimed to address these gaps. Finally, learners created CVs and covering letters to apply for two chosen roles in the banking industry, giving them the chance to see how to tailor their applications to different contexts.

Impact

Learners had the opportunity to explore potential careers in the financial sector, whilst formulating their own career aspirations and making achievable steps to reach their goals.

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Learner Quote:

“Before this session, I didn’t really know how to show my skills on a CV. Now I understand how to match my strengths to real jobs in banking, and I feel much more confident about applying for future roles.”

Teacher Quote:

“What stood out for me was how practical the session was. Learners weren’t just being told what employers look for, they were actively putting it into practice, drafting applications and reflecting on their own skills. It gave them a real sense of ownership over their next steps.”

Employer Quote:

“We were impressed by how engaged the learners were and how quickly they applied the guidance to their own applications. Helping young people build confidence in presenting their skills is a privilege, and we’re proud to support the next generation as they prepare to enter the workplace.”

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Further key concepts

The main focus was on preparing for job applications; the activity also reinforced broader employability and personal development ideas central to pastoral education. Learners explored career options in the financial sector, identified and reflected on their transferable skills, and evaluated personal strengths and areas for growth. They gained practical experience in crafting tailored CVs and cover letters, while also developing an understanding of professional behaviours and workplace expectations.

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Industry Skill Pastoral Key Concept (Learning for Life – Employability)
Understanding career pathways and roles within financial services. Career exploration; awareness of labour market opportunities.
Identifying transferable skills and aligning with employer needs. Recognising and articulating transferable skills; linking personal strengths to roles.
Auditing personal strengths and areas for development. Self-reflection; identifying growth areas; personal development planning.
Writing tailored CVs and covering letters. Practical job application skills; written communication; tailoring to context.
Demonstrating professional behaviours and workplace expectations. Workplace readiness; understanding employer expectations; developing professionalism.
Building confidence in job applications and career planning. Self-efficacy; resilience; planning next steps with confidence.
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