Students either preparing for Further Education or already working towards their qualifications may well be considering their next steps in the coming months. For some, that might mean continuing their studies at university or it could mean taking their first steps in their chosen career.
Whatever the next part of their journey may look like, essential skills are almost certain to help them on their way and ensure they are prepared for the challenges ahead with confidence and optimism.
These are what we mean by leadership skills and they are the foundation of all our learning programmes. And while they are without doubt the qualities of a good leader, they are also the tools we all need to be successful at work and in our studies.
Five essential skills
We believe there are five key skills which are particularly important for young people to be successful in study or work: communication, teamwork, self-belief, self-management and problem solving.
The British Chamber of Commerce has reported that over two-thirds of businesses believe young people are not effectively prepared for work when they leave education, so addressing this skills gap is vitally important.
As FE students approach a crossroads decision about their next step in life, they need to feel confident in their ability to demonstrate their use of these skills.
Here‘s why leadership skills are so important to FE-aged students: –
1. University and career readiness
For learners coming towards the end of their studies, university applications, part-time jobs and volunteering become more significant. By developing their leadership skills, young people have demonstrable evidence of their progress and their ability helping them to prepare for independent learning, either at university or in work.
2. Public speaking and presentation:
By learning how to communicate effectively, young people can build confidence in their ability to speak and present to groups of people, something they may need to take on both in the workplace and in future studies.
3. Independence and responsibility
As teenagers approach adulthood, they need to develop a strong sense of being able to take on responsibility and challenges. Leadership skills give them the confidence and qualities to shape their futures.
4. Time management
Becoming efficient in self-management can allow students to better balance their studies, personal lives and extra-curricular activities, which may all become more demanding in late teenage years. This has become even more important in the recovery from the Covid pandemic as young people adapt to coming out of disrupted education.
5. Leadership and mentorship
Older teenagers can lead and mentor their younger peers. This gives them demonstrable experience and an opportunity to test their skills while also passing on the benefit of their experience.
6. Long-term goal setting
Learning how to manage their time and abilities effectively encourages young people to think about how to address their own development needs. This kind of reflection can also empower them to think ahead and envisage the life, career or future study options they will need to succeed.
7. Social action and impact
Many teenagers aged 16-19 develop strong opinions about societal issues, including the environment, the economy and social justice. Leadership skills empower them to channel their passion into initiatives that can lead to positive change. They also can provide them with the confidence and ability to articulate their views succinctly and with conviction. Volunteering and social action plays an important role here too, giving young people a chance to broaden their viewpoint and interact with people from different backgrounds.
8. Conflict resolution
As teenagers encounter more complex challenges, problems and social dynamics, they can benefit from being able to approach these challenges with a mindset of seeking resolution utilising their problem solving skills – something which will ultimately be of benefit to them in the workplace, too.
9. Exploring their passions
skills such as self-belief and problem solving give students the platform and motivation to find out what they really want to do with life and how they can make it a reality.
Ultimately, leadership skills are of as much benefit to young people working towards the completion of their education as they are to us all in employment.
However, they are even more significant to learners within Further Education as they navigate the transition to adulthood. They have the potential to help them stand out in university applications and job searches, whilst building their confidence to believe, qualities to lead and skills to succeed.
To discuss how Leadership Skills Foundation programmes can support your FE offering, please get in touch via hello@leadershipskillsfoundation.org
