Get started with foundation skills in TVET

1. When you click a link to access a resource, it will open a new page. Each resource is presented on a separate page.
2. At the top of the page is the title and a brief introduction.
3. Below this is either a video or a PDF version of the resource, which you can view online.
4. Next are the download options and links to other files. For any resource, there can be a range of options:
   • Some resources contain only a video or a PDF document.
     • Videos are hosted on YouTube.
     • PDF documents can be downloaded.
   • Most of the text-based resources are available to download in several formats. These generally include a PDF document, a Microsoft Word document, and a Microsoft PowerPoint document. The content is the same across all formats, which are designed to meet different user needs. Find out more about the different file formats below.
   • Some resources also have e-learning modules. These open in a new tab in your web browser and are more interactive than the other versions. These modules were not updated during the 2024 review of the Toolkit, so some content may differ from the other documents. You cannot download these modules.
   • Some resources include extra files such as examples, templates, or checklists. These are provided in Microsoft Word and PDF formats.
   • Some resources include additional references, such as videos or links to other websites. These will open in a new tab in your browser.
5. When you have finished on the page, you can either:
   • click the back button in your browser to return to the previous screen, or
   • click a link at the bottom of the page to either go to the previous resource or to the next resources.

Note
You may notice that some resources are duplicated. This was necessary to align the learning focus areas with the Capability Mapping Tool, where some resources align with more than one capability across multiple stages.

The navigation through resources is guided by the sequence in the Capability Mapping Tool.

Below is some information about each format, which may help you decide which one will meet your needs.

PDF documents

• The format you see on each resource page is the PDF document for the resource.
• Visually, this is the same as the PowerPoint document, but you can’t edit it in the same way.
• The PDF document is often smaller than the PowerPoint document, so it’s quicker to download.
• You can view a PDF document using Adobe Acrobat or your web browser.
  • Click this link to download a free version of Adobe Acrobat.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader can read documents out loud. Click on the menu icon in the top right corner, click View, click Read out loud, click Activate read out loud. You can then either select to read the whole document or page, or you can click on a paragraph for it to read only that section.
• Some resources only have a PDF format. These are resources that were not developed specifically for the TVET Toolkit, but they are relevant to its readers.

Microsoft PowerPoint documents

• This format is designed for people who prefer images and colours.
• These files are the largest in size.
• While these documents generally meet Microsoft’s accessibility guidance, they contain many visual elements. Some, such as SmartArt, may not be ideal for people using a screen reader.
• Microsoft PowerPoint does not have a suitable Read Aloud or Speak feature.
  • You could consider opening the Word document and using Read Aloud while following along with the PowerPoint slides. This could be useful for the more text-heavy resources.
• You can edit the PowerPoint documents to meet your needs, noting the conditions of the creative commons license explained below.

Microsoft Word documents

• These documents contain all the content included in the PowerPoint version of the resource but without the visual elements.
• They are formatted as text-only using built-in styles, and good-practice accessibility guidelines.
• These documents are ideal for people who prefer fewer graphics or who use a screen reader.
• This document type is the smallest file format.
• You can edit the Word documents to meet your needs, noting the conditions of the creative commons license explained below.

Opening Microsoft Word and PowerPoint documents

If you have Microsoft Office installed on your device, it will be easy to open the documents once you have downloaded them.

If you do not have these installed, you can use a free cloud-based version of either Microsoft 365 or Google. Both services allow you to create a free account, though you will need an internet connection to use these services.

• Click this link to sign up for a free online version of Microsoft 365.
• Click this link to sign up for a free Google account.

*Note that Google Slides, which will open Microsoft PowerPoint files, may not display all features in the same way as Microsoft PowerPoint.

All resources in the TVET Toolkit are licensed as CC BY-NC-SA.

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for non-commercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator (Commonwealth of Learning).

If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms.

CC BY-NC-SA includes the following elements:

BY: credit must be given to the creator.
 NC: Only non-commercial uses of the work are permitted.
 SA: Adaptations must be shared under the same terms.

The graphic elements used in the TVET Toolkit resources, may only be used within these resources or adaptations of these resources. They may not be used for any other purposes.