Tools and strategies to help Autistic students access the BTEC Workskills curriculum

This qualification measures a range of skills to help candidates identify areas for improvement and build their confidence for future employment. For autistic students, it can be particularly useful if utilised in conjunction with specific tools, strategies and examples.

The Pearson Workskills qualification covers the development of a broad range of skills, including communication skills, problem solving skills, team working skills, personal effectiveness and professionalism and can be adapted for different contextualised work-based situations. These skills are all vital in the workplace but can be especially challenging for autistic students to develop. By choosing this qualification, centres can help students begin to work on which specific areas they need to develop to improve their chances of being successful in the world of work.

There are many tools and strategies that autistic students can use to help them excel in the Pearson Workskills qualification. Firstly, it is important to ensure the learning environment is structured and predictable. Autistic students often prefer routine and structure, so by providing a clear outline of what is expected of them, they will feel more comfortable and focused. Using visual tools such as mind maps or diagrams can also help to break down complex information into manageable chunks in order to help them succeed. Please check out our video channel Pearson Skills - YouTube where we have videos to help with such strategies.

Another strategy is to provide plenty of opportunities for practice and feedback before attempting any formal assessment. Many autistic students learn best through hands-on experience, so engaging in mock interviews or group exercises using our tailored units can help to build their confidence and hone their skills. Feedback should also be constructive and specific, highlighting areas for improvement in a non-judgmental way prior to the learner undertaking the assignments for the unit.

Finally, it can be helpful for autistic learners if you provide examples of successful work-related scenarios or case studies that these learners can relate to. By showing how others have used these skills effectively in the workplace, students can better understand the practical application of what they are learning and how it can be applied in the workplace.

In conclusion, the Pearson Workskills qualification can be an excellent qualification for autistic students to undertake and who are seeking to improve their employability. By utilising specific strategies and tools, and providing relevant examples, students can gain the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the workplace through the individual units which can be tailored and contextualised to your cohorts' specific requirements.

If you are interested in teaching the Workskills qualification, you can visit the qualification page available here: BTEC WorkSkills | Pearson qualifications