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 in the Glass Sector. People often change their jobs several times throughout their career. The "key" transferable skills they develop during this process continue to improve due to common activities found in every business.
Communication Skills
Communication skills are very important to glass sector employers, as they help people work together effectively. They include 'writing skills' and 'verbal skills'. These are used in conversation with other staff, for understanding instructions and for direct contact with customers. Electronic communication, via emails and fax machines, is also completed to achieve speedier communication in business.
Computer Skills
Flat and container glass products are now mass produced using automated, computerised production techniques. Business communication can also rely on the use of computers. Other uses include:
- 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) by sales staff when visiting customers at home
- Budget control
- Order storage and tracking
- Staff training
Application of Number
There are many high level technical jobs requiring a strong numerical ability within this sector. Engineers and scientists need high level maths skills; managers also use maths for setting budgets. But they are also crucial for employees involved in tasks such as ordering, weighing raw materials, monitoring furnace temperatures, planning, designing and in production (reducing waste). Maths skills are also used when calculating the amount of material needed to load your van, ready to go to an installation job.
Working With Others
Team working is valued very highly by glass sector employers. The sector needs employees who can support each other and work efficiently together at all times. A shortage of team working skills can affect a company's ability to hit its production and quality targets, safely and on time. Because of its importance, many employers test for an indication of team working skills at interview.
Improving Own Learning
Modern manufacturing industries like the glass sector have to complete research, change and develop to compete in todays tough business markets. To use new technologies effectively as they are developed, employees in these companies need to constantly update their skills and knowledge. This improves their career prospects and increases job satisfaction.
Problem Solving
Within manufacturing, problems in the production process can cost a business thousands of pounds. The ability to fix a problem safely, effectively, quickly, while learning from the problem to prevent it happening again, are critical to business success. Although systems are in place to help, this depends on individuals using good problem solving techniques.
