Why are Key Skills so important?
Key Skills form an essential part of your "employability". Key Skills are transferable skills because they are used in almost every job sector. The information on this page shows you how these skills are used within the Coatings sector. People often change their jobs several times throughout their career. These "key" transferable skills develop during this process and continue to improve due to common activities found in every business.
Communication Skills
Communication skills include verbal and written skills – for use in meetings/conversations with others and for understanding instructions. Communication skills also extend into IT as computers are now used widely for speedier communication in business (emails, fax machines and PowerPoint presentations). Good communication skills are very important to help people work together, which is essential in modern coatings companies.
Computer Skills
Computers are used in all coatings companies for a wide variety of processes including scientific research, controlling equipment and production processes, and functions such as order processing, financial planning, and, increasingly, for staff training using e-learning. "Computer skills" do not mean just writing programmes. For most people in the coatings industry, it includes things like operation of keyboards and customised control panels, and reading and interpreting data on screens.
Application of Number
All jobs in the coatings industry involve some use of numbers. Things like weighing raw materials and checking production paperwork to ensure the right mix of materials are just some of the routine tasks needing numerical skills. Engineers and scientists need high level maths skills, for tasks including process, design and formulating products. Managers also use maths for controlling budgets and monitoring things like stock levels.
Working With Others
The ability to work in teams is an essential ability for people working in coatings companies. Modern manufacturing systems demand that people work closely together in special teams, sharing information and supporting each other in daily work activities. Products have to be manufactured safely, on time, and to high quality standards. These demands mean that people must work together efficiently at all times.
Improving Own Learning
Learning doesn't stop once people leave school or college. Modern manufacturing industries like the coatings sector are continually changing and developing to compete in tough markets and exploit new technologies. People in the companies need to constantly update their skills and knowledge to keep up to date with these changes, this improve their own career prospects and provides better job satisfaction.
Problem Solving
Things do go wrong in complex manufacturing processes and an interruption of the production process can cost many thousands of pounds. The ability to fix the problem safely, effectively, quickly, and also learn from the problem to prevent it happening again, is critical to business success. Systems are in place to help this happen, but in the end it depends on individuals using good problem solving techniques. This is a vital skill for people in the coatings industry.
