Everything you need to know when undertaking a skills assessment.
Carrying out a skills assessment is a vital step in professional development. Discover everything you need to know about this process and its benefits.
What is the Purpose of a Skills Assessment?
Skills assessments allow individuals to reflect on their abilities, interests, and professional aspirations, helping to guide their career trajectory.
Identifying Aspirations and Skills
Skills assessments assist individuals in evaluating their motivations, needs, strengths, and professional challenges. Conducting such an assessment offers a comprehensive view of one’s career, enabling individuals to reconnect with their purpose in work and maximise job satisfaction by identifying often overlooked strengths and aspirations.
Preparing for a Career Change or Growth
Skills assessment is a valuable tool in various professional situations. For those looking to switch companies, it provides a way to address frustrations related to the work environment by analysing opportunities and making informed decisions with the help of a career coach. For internal development or taking on more responsibility, it enables both employer and employee to define the necessary training and skills required. For those looking to (re)find their career path, a skills assessment helps clarify aspirations and motivations, enabling the creation of a coherent career plan with a solid vision for the future.
How to Carry Out a Skills Assessment
Undertaking a skills assessment enables you to evaluate your abilities, set professional goals, and explore new career opportunities.
How to Choose Your Provider
Selecting the right provider for a skills assessment is crucial. It’s essential to choose a specialist with extensive experience and recognised qualifications.
The two main criteria to consider when choosing a provider for a skills assessment are:
- Ease of communication and the ability to understand the candidate’s needs.
- The provider’s track record—the number of successful assessments they have carried out and customer reviews that can help gauge the quality of their work.
It is highly recommended to choose a provider who inspires confidence and can genuinely meet your expectations to ensure a successful skills assessment.
The Stages of a Skills Assessment
Regardless of the organisation conducting the assessment, it should consist of three key stages:
Preliminary Phase
The first step involves defining your expectations and goals, which will shape the roadmap for your support. This phase includes an initial consultation with an advisor, discussions with your mentor to assess your current situation, plan the approach, and establish terms and conditions—all in complete confidentiality.
Investigation Phase
This is the core of the assessment, where you engage in deep self-reflection. You explore your skills, strengths, weaknesses, motivations, interests, values, and aspirations through individual sessions, workshops, tests, and meetings. This phase helps you gain a better understanding of how you work and uncovers your potential.
Conclusion Phase
The final stage summarises the analysis and produces an action plan to help you achieve your career goals. You will gain a clearer understanding of yourself, a defined career plan, actionable steps, and the confidence you need to succeed in your projects.
Financing a Skills Assessment
The cost of a skills assessment is an important consideration for those contemplating this route.
Options for Employees, Job Seekers, and the Self-Employed
In the UK, various funding options exist for employees, job seekers, and the self-employed to help cover the costs of a skills assessment:
- Employees: Employers may finance skills assessments as part of their skills development programmes or training schemes. Many employers offer these as part of an ongoing development plan to help employees advance in their careers. Employees can also use their Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) if available, or opt for funding through the Apprenticeship Levy if they are eligible.
- Job Seekers: Those receiving unemployment benefits, such as through Universal Credit, may be eligible for funding towards skills assessments through their Jobcentre Plus adviser, who can help with identifying suitable funding options and training opportunities. Some government-backed initiatives, such as The National Careers Service, offer assessments and advice to job seekers.
- Self-Employed: The self-employed can take advantage of various government-backed schemes such as the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) if eligible, and they may also benefit from specific programmes aimed at fostering skills development for independent workers.
Post-Skills Assessment Follow-up
The post-skills assessment follow-up is designed to support individuals in putting their career plan into action, implementing the strategies identified during the assessment.
Using Results for Personal and Professional Development
The results of a skills assessment provide a detailed evaluation of an individual’s skills and capabilities, enabling informed decision-making, the development of personal and professional growth strategies, and effectively steering their career towards success.
Tips for Sustaining Progress
After completing a skills assessment, it is important to maintain momentum by following these tips:
- Set clear and achievable goals.
- Establish an action plan based on the assessment results.
- Track progress regularly and adjust the plan if necessary.
- Stay open to change and adapt as required.
- Continue investing in training and learning throughout your career.