We’ve partnered with the Skills Builder Partnership to help students develop the essential skills they need for success in education, employment, and life.

The Skills Builder Universal Framework breaks down eight essential skills into teachable, measurable steps. By integrating this into our CONNECT platform, we’re helping schools make skill development part of everyday learning and careers education.

What is the Skills Builder Framework, and why is it important?

The Skills Builder Universal Framework is a nationally recognised model that shows how to build essential skills at every life stage, from early years to adulthood.

It defines eight core employability and life skills:

• Listening
• Speaking
• Problem Solving
• Creativity
• Staying Positive
• Aiming High
• Leadership
• Teamwork

Each skill is broken down into 15 clear, teachable steps, making it easy for educators to build skills progressively across key stages.

Why schools are using it:

• Aligns with Gatsby Benchmark 3 (addressing the needs of each pupil)
• Supports Ofsted’s personal development focus
• Helps students reflect on and articulate their own strengths
• Backed by 700+ organisations and growing rapidly across UK schools

By embedding this framework into CONNECT, we give schools a seamless way to assess, track, and strengthen essential skills as part of work experience, careers learning, and PSHE.

What does this mean for CONNECT and your students?

Our partnership allows CONNECT’s student assessment tools to link directly with the Skills Builder Framework and Educator Toolkit.

This means:

• Students can self-assess against essential skill benchmarks
• Teachers can track progress and identify gaps easily
• Schools gain clear, consistent evidence of skill development for Gatsby and Ofsted
• Lessons and activities can be targeted to specific skill levels

We’re making it easier for schools to deliver structured, measurable, essential skills education, all in one platform, with no extra admin burden.

What does the research say about essential skills and youth outcomes?

According to a new report from Skills Builder and YouGov, essential skills have a clear and measurable impact on young people’s outcomes.

Key findings:

• Young people with higher essential skill levels were more likely to be in full-time employment
• They also achieved higher qualifications and reported greater life satisfaction
• Essential skills helped bridge the socio-economic gap in access to work and education opportunities

This research confirms what many educators already feel: essential skills are not just a “nice to have”, they’re critical to post-16 transition and long-term success.

Helping Students Build Skills for Life

By joining the Skills Builder Partnership, we’re reinforcing our commitment to helping students grow in confidence, competence, and career readiness.

The future belongs to those who can adapt, and essential skills make that possible.

Book a demo to see how our Skills Builder integration helps schools deliver essential skills education with impact, evidence, and ease.

FAQs

What are essential skills?
Essential skills are core personal and interpersonal skills, like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, that support success in education and employment.

What is the Skills Builder Framework?
It’s a structured model that breaks each essential skill into 15 teachable steps, used by schools and employers across the UK.

How does this partnership support schools?
CONNECT now integrates with the Skills Builder Framework, allowing schools to track and teach essential skills as part of careers and personal development programmes.

Is this aligned with Gatsby Benchmarks?
Yes. The framework supports Benchmark 3 (pupil needs), Benchmark 4 (curriculum links), and Benchmark 6 (work experience skills).

Can students self-assess using CONNECT?
Yes. Students can reflect on their skill levels, set goals, and build evidence of progress, making reflection part of their learning journey.