This Training and Support dashboard features a variety of content to help you to build your learners’ essential skills, including online training modules. Explore these modules below.
Technical support & troubleshooting on Skills Builder Hub
Resolve technical questions and issues related to Skills Builder Hub.
Module 1
How do I sign up for Skills Builder Hub?
0:01:00
Skills Builder Hub is for educators only. To sign up, visit Skills Builder Hub: https://hub.skillsbuilder.org/. Click the 'Sign up' button and provide the necessary information. You can either enter your email address and password, or choose to sign up with Microsoft or Google.
To finish setting up your account, you need to verify your email address. You will receive an email to do this. Once your account is verified, you can begin exploring the resources and tools available on the platform.
Module 2
How do I log into Skills Builder Hub?
0:00:30
To log in, visit Skills Builder Hub: https://hub.skillsbuilder.org/. Click 'Log in' and enter your email address and password, or choose to log in with Microsoft or Google.
Module 3
What happens if I've forgotten my password?
0:00:30
If you have forgotten your password click 'Log in' and 'Forgot your password?' Enter your email address and you will shortly receive a link to reset your password.
If you're still having trouble, contact the Skills Builder Hub support team directly for assistance.
Module 4
How much does it cost to sign up?
0:00:30
To sign up and access most resources is free for individual educators. To access premium features like administrator accounts and premium resources, you need to sign up to a membership for your organisation.
See more here: https://www.skillsbuilder.org/digital-membership
Module 5
What is an administrator account?
0:05:00
An administrator (admin) account helps organisations manage their staff's usage of Skills Builder Hub. For example, you can control user access and track learners' skills progress. To have an admin account you need to enrol on a Skills Builder programme.
Find out more here: https://www.skillsbuilder.org/educators
Module 6
If I have an administrator account, how do I add staff to Skills Builder Hub?
0:01:00
Add staff by clicking 'Account', 'Manage users' and 'Invite staff'. Copy the link to share with your colleague(s). When they click the link, they will need to log in or sign up. Their account will be linked to your organisation's Hub account. When they have completed this process, they will appear in the list on your 'Manage Users' page.
Module 7
If I have a administrator account, how do I edit a group?
0:00:30
Click 'Account', then 'Manage groups'. Edit the group details and click 'Save'.
You can also add or remove teachers from a group by ticking or unticking their names in the Owners dropdown list.
How to use Skills Builder Hub
Learn how to make the most of Skills Builder Hub.
Module 1
What is Skills Builder Hub?
0:00:30
Skills Builder Hub is an online resource platform designed to help educators and organisations teach the eight essential skills: Listening, Speaking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Staying Positive, Aiming High, Leadership and Teamwork. You can also use Skills Builder Hub to measure learners' progress and find resources pitched at the right level.
For example, a teacher can use the platform to identify students struggling with Problem Solving, find specific resources to address this skill, and track their progress over time.
Find out more: watch this 3-minute video.
Module 2
How do I find resources on Skills Builder Hub?
0:00:30
Go to 'Resources' at the top of the page. You can then filter by age, stage or resource type.
Alternatively, assess a group to get resource recommendations based on your learners' skill level. Click 'Dashboard' and either create or choose a group to assess. Then, choose an essential skill that you would like to assess and click 'Measure skill'. You will be asked to select how many learners have mastered each skill step in this group. Skills Builder Hub will then suggest resources pitched at the appropriate level for your group.
Find out more with this 3-minute video.
Module 3
How do I assess a group of learners on Skills Builder Hub?
0:02:00
To assess a group of learners click 'Dashboard' and either create or choose a group to assess. Then, choose an essential skill that you would like to assess and click 'Measure skill'. You will be asked to select how many learners have mastered each skill step in this group. Skills Builder Hub will then suggest resources pitched at the appropriate level for your group.
Your responses are recorded and displayed on your dashboard, the star symbol represents the recommended next step for your chosen skill. To update the assessment, click 'Update progress' for the relevant skill and update your answers for each skill step.
Module 4
How do I download data from Skills Builder Hub?
0:01:00
Click 'Account', then 'Snapshots'. Find the name of the class that you would like to download data for and click 'Snapshots'. Browse the calendar and select any date that is shaded in colour - this means an assessment was recorded that day. Finally, click 'Export snapshot'.
The data is downloaded in CSV format and shows your group's skill development up until that specific day.
Module 5
As a Hub admin, how do I view the data for my whole organisation?
0:01:00
As a Hub admin, you can view data across your whole organisation by clicking 'Account' then 'Data overview'. Click the relevant tab to explore assessment data or resource usage. Filter your data by choosing your desired date range.
For your selected dates:
- The Assessment data tab shows groups where the group owner has completed a Baseline assessment. If a subsequent assessment has taken place this will show under Latest assessment and the Change between those scores is calculated.
- The Resource usage tab shows the total number of resources cumulatively opened across all groups, as well as which resource types have been opened by each group owner.
Module 6
As a Hub admin, how do I download data from Skills Builder Hub for my whole organisation?
0:01:00
Click 'Account' then 'Data overview'. Choose between two tabs: Assessment data or Resource usage. Filter your data by choosing your desired date range, click 'Download data' and a csv file will be exported - the content will match your chosen filters applied.
You can analyse the results offline through your preferred software (e.g. using formulas in a spreadsheet to calculate averages across cohorts of learners) – this can help towards whole-school objectives when reporting on progress.
Learn what resources are available on Skills Builder Hub
Explore the variety of different resources available on Skills Builder Hub.
Module 1
What different types of resources are available?
0:01:00
Skills Builder Hub offers interactive, teacher-led resources like display materials, short lessons, workshops, career-related learning, assemblies, short stories, apprenticeship modules and more.
Find out more in this video from our YouTube channel.
Module 2
How do I find resources pitched at the right level for my learners?
0:00:20
Skills Builder Hub suggests resources pitched at the right level for your group after you complete a skill assessment.
To assess a group of learners click 'Dashboard' and either create or choose a group to assess. Then, choose an essential skill that you would like to assess and click 'Measure skill'. You will be asked to select how many learners have mastered each skill step in this group. Skills Builder Hub will then suggest resources pitched at the appropriate level for your group.
Your responses are recorded and displayed on your dashboard, the star symbol represents the recommended next step for your chosen skill. To update the assessment, click 'Update progress' for the relevant skill and update your answers for each skill step.
Find out more in this 3-minute video from our YouTube channel.
Module 3
How do I favourite a resource?
0:00:20
To favourite a resource, find the resource you want to save, click the heart button and choose a group. To find your saved resources, go to the 'Favourites' tab on the Dashboard.
Module 4
What inclusive resources are available?
0:05:00
The Inclusive Learning Resource Pack provides an overview of resources and activities to support learners, including those with additional needs. This includes the Expanded Framework, passports, symbols, tokens, flashcards, and more. Alongside this, the pack includes 'Best Practice Snapshots' which are specific examples of how resources have been successfully applied in an inclusive learning setting.
The Expanded Framework specifically breaks progression down, placing three simple Stepping Stones between each step to give more extensive scaffolding. Resources using this framework will include 'Expanded Framework' in the title.
Click 'Start' to download the resource.
Module 5
What resources support parents and carers?
0:05:00
On Skills Builder Hub, you have access to a Parents and Carers Resource Pack. This supports and engages parents in their child's learning.
It provides shareable information on: what essential skills are and why they matter, practical tips on how to support your learners daily, family activities, and further support and information.
Click 'Start' to download the resource.
Module 6
What are premium resources?
0:02:00
Premium resources link essential skills to real-world scenarios and help bring essential skills to life.
These resources include:
- Challenge Days: off-timetable, whole-class or school activities covering all eight skills.
- Extended Projects: 10-hour, theme-based projects for primary and specialist settings.
- Virtual Work Experience Modules: interactive modules with videos, tasks, and workbooks.
To access premium resources you need to be on a Skills Builder programme.
You can find out more here: https://www.skillsbuilder.org/educators
Click 'Start' to download more information on premium resources.
Module 7
Is there a resource to introduce the essential skills to external partners?
0:01:00
Yes, the External Partners document provides a brief overview of the eight essential skills, introduces the Universal Framework and Expanded Framework, and explains how external partners can refer to the skills when they visit your organisation.
Click 'Start' to download the resource.
How to teach essential skills
Complete professional development modules on how to teach essential skills in your provision by using Skills Builder’s six principles of best practice.
Module 1
How do I foster a common language?
0:15:00
Keep it simple: Learn how to foster a shared language around essential skills.
In this session you will:
- Understand the impact of adopting a common language from a learner's perspective.
- Understand how the language of the Universal Framework works for learners.
- Support learners' use of the language.
Click 'Start' to begin the module.
Module 2
How do I teach essential skills to learners under 5?
0:10:00
Start early; keep going: Mastering essential skills takes time and effort across all age groups. Choose the module for your learners' age group.
Teaching essential skills to children under the age of 5:
- Learn how standard early years practice is highly compatible with essential skills teaching.
- Think about when learners use the essential skills and what this could mean for your teaching.
Click 'Start' to begin the module.
Module 3
How do I teach essential skills to learners aged 5-11?
0:10:00
Start early; keep going: Mastering essential skills takes time and effort across all age groups.
Teaching essential skills to children the age of 5-11:
- Consider the importance of building essential skills over time.
- Learn what other schools are doing with children this age.
Click 'Start' to begin the module.
Module 4
How do I teach essential skills to learners aged 11-16?
0:10:00
Start early; keep going: Mastering essential skills takes time and effort across all age groups.
Teaching essential skills to children the age of 11-16:
- Consider the importance of building essential skills across the age range.
- Learn what other schools are doing with learners this age.
Click 'Start' to begin the module.
Module 5
How do I teach essential skills to learners aged 16+?
0:10:00
Start early; keep going: Mastering essential skills takes time and effort across all age groups.
Teaching essential skills to 16+:
- Consider the opportunities post-16 education presents for essential skills teaching.
- Discover what other post-16 settings are already doing.
Click 'Start' to begin the module.
Module 6
How do I measure essential skills?
0:30:00
Measure it: Learn how to use the Universal Framework and Skills Builder Hub to assess progress.
In this session you will:
- Recap what Skills Builder Hub is and who it is for.
- Learn how to use Skills Builder Hub to aid formative assessment.
Click 'Start' to begin the module.
Module 7
How do I explicitly teach essential skills?
0:15:00
Focus tightly: Learn how to explicitly teach essential skills and skill steps.
In this session you will:
- Learn how to use Skills Builder's Universal Framework to teach essential skills in a more focussed way.
- Consider how knowledge is a key component of effective skills teaching.
- Consider overlaps between teaching skill steps and other curriculum areas.
Click 'Start' to begin the module.
Module 8
How do essential skills link to the curriculum?
0:10:00
Keep practising: Learn how to create opportunities for learners to practice and reflect on their skills.
In this session you will:
- Learn how essential skills can be woven into an already packed curriculum.
- Practise spotting opportunities to teach and reinforce essential skills.
Click 'Start' to begin this module.
Module 9
How do I connect essential skills to the outside world?
0:10:00
Bring it to life: Learn how to connect essential skills to real-world situations.
In this session you will:
- Consider the benefits of connecting learning in the classroom with the wider world.
- Learn the principles of effective project-based learning.
- Learn some approaches to creating meaningful employer encounters.
Discover other tools
Explore other Skills Builder tools available to further your learners’ skill development.
Module 1
The Universal Framework
0:10:00
The Skills Builder Universal Framework is a roadmap for developing essential life skills. It breaks down eight skills (like speaking, problem solving and teamwork) into actionable steps.
You can access it here: https://www.skillsbuilder.org/universal-framework
Click 'Start' to begin a module on the Universal Framework.
Module 2
Skills Builder Benchmark
0:00:10
Skills Builder Benchmark is a free online self-assessment tool that helps individuals understand their skill strengths and weaknesses. The tool asks you to benchmark yourself against the Universal Framework.
Benchmark users must be aged at least 14 to use the tool independently. With adult supervision, learners as young as 11 can use the tool.
You can access it here: https://www.skillsbuilder.org/benchmark
Click 'Start' to begin a module on Skills Builder Benchmark.
Module 3
Skills Builder Launchpad
0:10:00
Skills Builder Launchpad is a free online platform designed to help individuals develop their essential life skills. It offers interactive modules that cover various aspects of the Skills Builder Universal Framework, allowing users to learn and practice essential skills.
You can access it here: https://launchpad.skillsbuilder.org/
Click 'Start' to begin a module on Skills Builder Launchpad.
Module 4
Skills Builder Homezone
0:05:00
Skills Builder Homezone is a free online platform designed to help parents and carers to build essential skills at home through weekly skill challenges, reading lists and practical activities. The activities are suitable for all ages. You can access it here: https://www.skillsbuilder.org/homezone
Find out more in this short video from our YouTube channel.
Module 5
The Careers Explorer Tool
0:10:00
Skills Builder Career Explorer is a free tool designed to help learners explore which skills best suit their chosen career path. The tool shows learners the level of essential skills needed for over 1,000 different jobs. It allows learners to compare the essential skills needed for different jobs, identify the skills needed for their desired career path and even focus their development efforts.
You can access it here.
The development of this Training Area was made possible thanks to the kind support of our fantastic partners:
