Unit 1: Communication and
Employability Skills for IT
Unit code: F/601/7233
QCF Level 3: BTEC National
Credit value: 10
Guided learning hours: 60
Aim and purpose
The aim of this unit is to ensure that learners understand both the personal attributes valued by employers
and the principles of communicating effectively whist developing effective communication skills and addressing
their own personal development needs.
Unit introduction
Non-technical skills and attitudes, known as soft skills, and the technical skills and knowledge required
for specific jobs in IT are key to employability. Soft skills are those skills relating to an individual’s ability
to communicate and work effectively with others, to use appropriate language, be dependable and
conscientious, and to generally behave in an acceptable manner in the workplace. Soft skills complement hard
skills, which are the knowledge, understanding and technical skills required to do a job.
