Workplace Learning and Attainment of Employability Skills

This reflective report discusses workplace learning and the attainment of employability skills. It covers topics such as Gibb's reflective cycle, learning styles, employability skills, and personal development plans.

LFBM202 WORKBASED
LEARNING

Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY ..................................................................................................................................3
Learnings of module ...................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES ...............................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Workplace skills refer to competencies which help individuals in performing their routine
tasks for the organisations they are working (Andrianova and Antonacopoulou, 2020). These
skills help managers in solving any conflict, bringing changes, making employees work at a
workplace. Learning with working at workplace help individuals in enhancing their employee
engagement through boosting their confidence. Through this, employees can enhance their
existing skills as well as develop new one in an effective manner. These skills are considered as
significant for being successful in any organisation. It is important to develop a positive working
environment which aid organisations in retaining their employees for a long period of time. This
project report is a reflective journal which is based on attainment of employability skills. This
project report also depicts an understanding of how employees develop their employability skills
for future.
MAIN BODY
Learnings of module
Gibb's reflective cycle model refers to a strategic framework which describes individual's
learning experiences through six stages. It is considered as significant as it assist individuals in
assessing their performance as well as improving their existing skills (Asino and Giacumo,
2019). Evaluation of phases of Gibb's reflective cycle are as follows:
Description- This phase deals with describing a situation in detail as per the learner's
experiences. I have started to attend weekly lectures as per my university curriculum which
enhances my workplace learning and varied skills. In the first weekly module, I have learned
about workplace learning as well as its involvement and importance in making me successful in
my career path of becoming a beauty therapist. In first weekly module, faculty members also
provides me knowledge about workshop activity, nature of lectures and explanation of
assignments. I have learnt to assess my existing strengths as well as weaknesses. Workplace
learning can be described as structured experience program which provides opportunities to
individuals for getting training on while doing job simultaneously (Billett, 2020). This
workplace is considered as important for students as it aids them in building their confidence at
their jobs while getting on-the job training. After the break exercise, I have been given training
regarding improving my presentation skills whereby I learnt that this can be achieved through

experience as well as proper learning programmes. I also got the knowledge about
communication process which sequentially encompasses aiming, encoding, transmitting,
receiving, decoding and responding to messages in an effective manner. I got to learn varied
things that are to be done and not be performed while giving presentations. Presentation should
be given in a proper sequence which involves rapport, introduction, define topics, main points,
summary and conclusion. I also got to learn about varied presentation techniques, namely, vocal
techniques, body language and use of spaces. I also got to know about the specifications about
power point slides which will essentially help me in preparing presentation in my coming future.
In the second weekly module, I have been provided knowledge about how to get success in work
base learning. It is imperative for learners to evaluate their learning styles and preferred
behaviours of their mentors in order to get success in future. I have been provided knowledge
about VARK which is considered as a learning approach which use specified questionnaire in
order to evaluate learning style. I learned about type of learners based on VARK model. Learners
can poses varied issues as there are varied obstructions in learning processes.
These barriers are essentially concerned with perpetual, cultural, emotional, motivational,
intellectual and other related aspects (Bontemps-Hommen, Baart and Vosman, 2020). I got to
learn about Kolb experiential learning model which involves a sequential cycle consisting of
active experimentation, concrete experiences, reflective observation and abstract
conceptualisation. I also got an opportunity to gain understanding about Honey and Mumford
learning styles. These learning styles has specified pros like it aids in discovering existing
strengths whereas it can be disadvantageous as it is not considered as reliable all the times. In the
third weekly module, I got to learn about varied employability skills as this will help me in
securing competitive edge and becoming successful in the future role of beauty therapist. Five
employability skills that are considered as significant for job seekers are communication,
problem solving, negotiating, planning and positive mental attitude.
At the fourth weekly module lectures, I have been given knowledge about reflective
learning and how to use Gibb's model in writing this in an effective manner. Reflective learning
is considered as important as it aid individuals in keeping their records safe that can be used in
future for further references (O'Brien, Hamburg and Southern, 2019). It can be referred to
evidence of individual's learning practices in a strategic manner.

Feelings – I was feeling nervous while initiating lecture modules. I am not well-aware
about my preferred learning style and existing skills which led me to grow suspicious of my
abilities. But when I started to attend weekly lecture modules, I got to know that I am a visual
learner who are willing to learn from varied visuals and diagrams. I have a feeling that I have
good communication skills which will help me to interact with my clients as a beauty therapist. I
am good at planning and organising varied specified tasks which will help me to make capable of
working with the changing environment as well as perform work as per deadlines in a strategic
manner. In the third weekly module, I also learnt to assess my strengths, weaknesses, skills
through effective skill audit. I felt very nervous in preparing personal development plan as this is
particularly based on my future chosen career job of beauty therapist. I felt very exited in
performing presentation task as it is different from my routine tasks as well as help me to
enhance my skills to create power point slides effectively. This would help me in attracting my
clients as they get to know about my differential beauty treatments and its benefits to varied
people. At the end of weekly lecture series , I was feeling confident as this workshop activities
aid me to learn varied things and enhance differential skills. This learning development helps me
in making plans regarding growth and development of my career path which is beauty therapist.
Evaluation- After completion of lecture module, I have been asked to attend a workshop
whereby I have to prepare a power point presentation regarding type of organisations, clients,
roles & responsibilities provided to me at my workplace and many more. At the workshop I
attended after second weekly lectures, I learnt about stress management practices, meaning, ways
for managing this and many more. I go to know about signs of stress which includes anxious
poor concentration, taking drugs, frustration and many more. I lack in problem solving skills and
framing an informed decision in an effective manner. I have evaluated that I am good at
negotiation skills which will help me in future regarding determination of prices with my clients.
I am capable enough to influence and convince others in a rational manner. At the end of third
weekly module, I get involved in the workshop where I have been taught to prepare personal
development plan which will help me to assess my strengths as well as weaknesses in order to
prepare for a job role of beauty therapist. I was asked to prepare a PDP plan at the workshop
which consists of objectives of creating it, personal attributes, practical experiences, outcomes of
training and achievements. After completing my weekly lecture series, I have been asked to
attend workshop in coming weeks. There, I got a chance to learn how to prepare an efficient CV.

I have also learnt to develop my employability skills as well as competencies which will
help me to enhance my skills regarding critical thinking and writing skills (Giacumo and
Breman, 2021). I learnt about preparation for career interview which will help me to apply for
job in the field of beauty therapist. In order to evaluate my career plan, I have been asked by my
faculty guides to prepare a role play on interview on differential roles such as hotel manager,
lecture, air hostess. I also have been asked for preparing a LinkedIn profile which led me to
assess my skills in a strategic manner. I have evaluated that I have taken a good decision by
attending this lecture series as this has helped me in analysing my varied skills, strengths and
weaknesses which can aid me in moving ahead in my future in an effective manner.
Analysis- I have analysed that I am good at some skills like communication, negotiation
and lack in organisation as well as problem-solving skills. In order to perform effective analysis
of varied strengths as well as weaknesses of learners, Johari Window technique is used. It is a
systematic approach which is designed for understanding the relationship among others and self
in an effective manner. I also got a chance to perform personal SWOT analysis which has
provided me valuable insights about my strengths as well as weaknesses. For analysis of my
learning skills, I have been given a task to prepare an action plan which I have completed on
time. For analysing my skills, I get to know that it is needful for me to make improvisations in
my competencies.
Conclusion- In this section, assessment are made on the basis of learnings which have
evolved by learners in their lecture series (Harteis, 2022). I have learnt varied lessons from
attending weekly lecture series which has helped me in gaining competencies. I have leant about
workplace learning and its significance for individuals. Throughout the lecture series, I have
experienced a mixed feeling of excitement and nervousness. I was nervous in preparing CV and
personal development plans which were asked by faculty guide for preparation to me. I felt very
exited in designing presentations through power point slider. Through this learning, I get to know
about my existing skills consisting of communication, negotiations. It also aid me in analysing
the competencies that I need to become successful beauty therapist in future. I also learnt to
make proper action plans in order to develop my skills and competencies.
Action plan- After evaluation of my strengths, weaknesses and skills, individuals all
ready to prepare an action plan which help me in gaining insights as per the explored
opportunities as well as mitigating threats in an effective manner (Illeris, 2018). For this task, I

have been asked to prepare a personal development plan which involves three stages such as
personal analysis whereby I have to assess my strengths which are excellent communication,
negotiation and adaptability to environmental practices. I have also ascertained my weaknesses
are which encompasses lacking in problem solving, lack of experience to work as a beauty
therapist. Next step is to set clear and definite objectives which can be measured in an accurate
term. Third step is to set clear personal objectives for the future which can help me in becoming
beauty therapist in future. Skills which I want to enhance for my future are problem-solving,
presentation, creativity in order to build my successful career in the field of beauty therapist. I
also learnt to perform effective action planning which will help me to concentrate on ideas and
determine what steps are needed to be taken for attaining goals. It is important to make effective
prioritization of tasks which help me to determine the sequence of my objective as well as tasks
(Järvensivu, 2020). It is imperative for me to adopt practice which aid me in gaining knowledge
about skills audit in order to analyse the gaps among existing as well as new competencies. I
have learnt to use SMART framework model for preparing an evaluation plan for analysing
specific goals.
Workplace skills that are existed in me are communication, negotiation and team-
working competencies. Communication skills will help me in interacting effectively with my
customers and peers at workplace. Negotiation is considered as an imperative skill which will
assists me in interacting, influencing and convincing my clients in future when I will become a
beauty therapist. At the lecture series, I have learnt that negotiation skills will help me in gaining
confidence and deal with other parties in an effective way. Efficient negotiation skills can aid me
in enhancing my problem-solving skills in an effective manner. It will also help me in handling
stressful situations whenever they arise. This will help me in not in negotiating varied terms with
my customers but also my peers and employees regarding differential tasks as well as deadlines
in an effective way.
Academic skills which have I learnt from the lecture series are reasoning, technical
literacy and reasoning. These skills are considered as significant as these assist individuals in
performing their job effectively as well as becoming successful in their chosen profession
(Khandakar and Pangil, 2020). Through reasoning skills, I can make proper interactions with my
clients as beauty therapist.

I am looking to develop my problem-solving and organisation skills for future. I have
developed an action plan which helped me to make improvisations in my problem-solving and
organisation skills. Problem solving skills can be enhanced by me through formulating proper
strategies through which I identify problems and visualise them and brainstorm a creative
solution for the identified problems (López, 2020). In order to improve organisation skills while
getting training and working in a workplace simultaneously. This can be enhanced by me by
setting goals in a clear and identifiable terms. It is imperative for individuals to assess their
planning competencies which will help them to prepare for varied desired activities. Resource
allocations should be done in a proper sense for enhancing organisation skills.
Screenshot of a LinkedIn Profile

CONCLUSION

From the above reflective report, it has been assessed that workplace learning is a
systematised procedure of make individuals learn at work while doing their respective jobs. This
learning aid individuals in learning with working led them to gain practical experiences for
future. It is imperative for learners to have access of knowledge regarding their learning style. As
there are varied learning styles exist such as visual, aural, read/ write and kinaesthetics. It is
essential for individuals to have valuable insights regarding their existing as well as new skills
they have to develop for becoming successful in their career. Skill audit refers to systematic
ascertainment of research skills of students which aid them in developing their competencies in
an effective manner.

REFERENCES
Books & Journals:
Andrianova, O. and Antonacopoulou, E., 2020. Responsible managers workplace
learning. Research Handbook of Responsible Management.
Asino, T. I. and Giacumo, L., 2019. Culture and global workplace learning: Foundations of
cross‐cultural design theories and models. The Wiley Handbook of Global Workplace
Learning. pp.395-412.
Billett, S., 2020. Learning in the workplace: Strategies for effective practice. Routledge.
Bontemps-Hommen, M. C., Baart, A. J. and Vosman, F. J., 2020. Professional workplace-
learning. Can practical wisdom be learned?. Vocations and Learning. 13(3). pp.479-501.
Giacumo, L. A. and Breman, J., 2021. Trends and implications of models, frameworks, and
approaches used by instructional designers in workplace learning and performance
improvement. Performance Improvement Quarterly. 34(2). pp.131-170.
Harteis, C., 2022. Research on Workplace Learning in Times of Digitalisation. In Research
Approaches on Workplace Learning (pp. 415-428). Springer, Cham.
Illeris, K., 2018. Workplaces and learning. In Learning, Development and Education (pp. 201-
216). Routledge.
Järvensivu, A., 2020. Multiple jobholders and workplace learning: understanding strange
attractor careers. Journal of Workplace Learning.
Khandakar, M. S. A. and Pangil, F., 2020. The role of affective commitment on the relationship
between human resource management practices and informal workplace
learning. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning.
López, O. S., 2020. Informal workplace learning (pp. 475-485). Springer International
Publishing.
O'Brien, E., Hamburg, I. and Southern, M., 2019. Using technology‐oriented, problem‐based
learning to support global workplace learning. The Wiley handbook of global workplace
learning. pp.591-609.
Park, Y. and Et. Al., 2020. The role and related variables of workplace learning in quantitative
research. Industrial and Commercial Training.