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 Printing sector. Nowadays people often change their jobs several times throughout their career. The ‘key’ transferable skills that a person develops during their career continue to improve due to common activities found in every business.
Communication Skills
Employees use communication skills daily for contact between both colleagues and customers. As well as verbal communication skills, IT use has enabled speedier communication channels in business (emails and fax machines) and higher level jobs often call for presentations. This can include the use of computer software programmes such as Microsoft PowerPoint.
Computer Skills
Computers and engineering have changed the way printing is produced in the UK today. Large companies which produce printing in bulk, are now fully automated. Computers are also often used for business strategy planning, information management, budget control, staff training and many other activities.
Application of Number
There are many high level technical jobs requiring a strong numerical ability within this sector. Engineers need high level maths skills; managers also use maths for setting budgets. They are also crucial for operatives involved in tasks such as ordering stock and estimators who work out the cost of a new print job. Accounts and sales managers also need good maths skills.
Working With Others
Print manufacturing requires team activity. Staff need to be self motivated, yet able to work in a team environment to hit manufacturing targets set by customer demand. A lack of team working skills can affect a company's ability to hit their targets. To address this print manufacturing employers now look for an indication of team working skills at interview.
Improving Own Learning
Businesses require staff that are committed to continually improving their abilities and the service they are able to provide. That way they can stay ahead of their rivals.You may have heard of the term "Global Marketplace". This term relates to the reduction of barriers between businesses and their customers across the world. The Internet allows customers to buy products from abroad easily but from a business point of view it also increases competition for your trade.
Problem Solving
Businesses need to continuously improve quality and increase outputs to stay ahead of competitors, so an ability to analyse and find solutions to problems is extremely useful. Problem solvers have an enthusiastic attitude to work, a strong commitment to improving systems and are positive in their approach. These are all qualities that employers value very highly.
