Definition of Employability

Employability refers to the set of skills, knowledge, attitudes, and personal attributes that make an individual capable of getting, keeping, and successfully performing a job.

It is not just about getting a job, but also about:

• Being able to adapt to changes at the workplace

• Communicating well, working in teams, solving problems

• Demonstrating responsibility, reliability, and willingness to learn

Key Components of Employability Skills

1. Basic Literacy Skills – Reading, writing, numeracy, listening, speaking

2. Thinking Skills – Problem-solving, decision-making, planning

3. Social Skills –  Appropriate greeting, teamwork, respect, cooperation, 

4. Work Ethics – Punctuality, honesty, responsibility, self-motivation

5. Adaptability – Coping with change, flexibility

6. Technology Use – Basic computer or device handling

7. Self-Management – Goal setting, time management, hygiene, grooming

8. Emotional Regulation - Managing frustrations, naming emotions, self-calming

9. Communication Skills - receptive and expressive language, turn taking - not interrupting when others are talking talk, speaking politely - Please, Thank you, Sorry.

Now, let's expand a little bit on Emotional Regulation and Communication skills.

Emotional Regulation: Managing one’s feelings in appropriate and constructive ways

Key Aspects:

1. Identifying Emotions – Recognizing basic emotions like happy, sad, angry, scared

2. Labeling Feelings – Being able to say, "I feel angry" or "I am nervous"

3. Coping Strategies – Using calming tools (deep breathing, counting to 10, stress balls)

4. Frustration Tolerance – Handling small delays or mistakes without meltdown

5. Impulse Control – Waiting for turn, not shouting or interrupting

6. Conflict Resolution – Walking away or asking for help instead of fighting

7. Self-Calming – Using techniques to return to a calm state after being upset

8. Positive Self-Talk – Learning to say, “I can try again” or “It’s okay to make mistakes”

Communication Skills: Expressing needs, listening, and interacting effectively

Key Aspects:

1. Expressing Needs Clearly – Saying “I need help,” “I need a break,” or “Can I go to the toilet?”

2. Listening Skills – Paying attention, not interrupting, following directions

3. Speaking Politely – Using phrases like “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me”

4. Asking for Help – Knowing whom to ask and how to ask appropriately

5. Nonverbal Communication – Eye contact, gestures, facial expressions

6. Understanding Social Cues – Noticing if someone is busy, upset, or bored

7. Turn-Taking in Conversations – Letting others talk, answering appropriately

8. Workplace Communication – Responding to supervisors, reporting problems, using appropriate tone

How to Teach These in ECSE-ID Context:

• Use role plays and visual cards (for feelings, polite phrases, social cues)

• Teach one skill at a time, reinforce with praise and repetition

• Create social stories (e.g., “What to do when I feel angry” or “How to ask for help at work”)

In the Context of Persons with Special Needs

Employability includes functional and vocational training, life skills, and workplace behavior that support:

• Independence

• Inclusion in mainstream or supported employment

• Confidence and dignity in work settings