How you’d get it
How you’d get this certificate
- Zavmo teaches you. You learn the units one-to-one with an AI tutor, on your own work.
- You register with an approved centre. That is a college, training provider or employer City & Guilds Limited has approved to offer this qualification. Zavmo is not an approved centre, so you register with them, not with us.
- The centre assesses, and City & Guilds Limited awards. A qualified assessor at the centre judges your evidence, and the certificate comes from City & Guilds Limited.
01What it is
City & Guilds essential qualifications for Skills for Work and Life. Available for English, Maths, ICT, digital skills, as well as in employability and personal/ social development. Learn more. <br/>
These are the units City & Guilds Limited registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated. Zavmo teaches towards them on your own work.
Zavmo is not an awarding body, is not an approved centre, and is not affiliated with City & Guilds Limited. It does the teaching and the mapping. City & Guilds Limited sets this qualification and awards it, and a qualified human assessor makes the assessment decision.
02The units
What each unit actually teaches you to do
Apply finishing material to wood-based surfaces Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit covers the preparation of wood-based surfaces and the selection and application of appropriate finishing materials. You'll learn to apply finishes evenly, allow proper drying, and inspect surfaces for quality and imperfections.
What you'll be able to do
- Apply finishing material to wood-based surfaces effectively
Assist with catching and restraining a small animal Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll develop safe techniques for catching and restraining small animals, emphasising the importance of observing animal behaviour to minimise distress. The unit focuses on humane handling practices and recognising signs of stress.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to safely catch a small animal
- Demonstrate the ability to safely restrain a small animal
Basic cooking Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to prepare, cook, and present basic food items using appropriate techniques and cooking methods. You'll also apply safe food handling practices throughout preparation and cooking processes.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare basic food items for cooking
- Cook basic food items and dishes using appropriate methods
- Present cooked basic food items and dishes safely and hygienically
Basic food preparation Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll develop basic food preparation skills for cold presentation and cooking, including washing, peeling, and chopping techniques. The unit also covers maintaining cleanliness and hygiene during food preparation.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare food for cold presentation using basic techniques
- Prepare food for cooking using basic techniques
- Maintain a clean and hygienic work area during food preparation
Build a straight section of wall Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll gain practical skills to build a straight section of wall, including preparing materials, selecting and using appropriate tools, ensuring the wall is level and plumb, and verifying that the finished wall meets specified standards and safety requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Build a straight section of wall to the required specification
- Use appropriate tools and equipment safely when building a straight section of wall
- Follow health and safety guidelines when building a straight section of wall
Cast a pot Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit covers the preparation of slip and moulds for casting pots, including identifying necessary tools and equipment. You'll develop practical skills in casting techniques and the safe removal of the cast pot from the mould.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare slip for casting
- Prepare a mould for casting
- Cast a pot in the prepared mould using appropriate techniques
- Remove the cast pot from the mould without damage
Catch and lead a horse Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to safely approach, catch, and lead a horse, including fitting lead ropes or headcollars correctly. You'll develop practical skills to handle horses calmly and effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Approach a horse safely and calmly
- Catch a horse using appropriate techniques
- Fit a lead rope or headcollar correctly
- Lead a horse safely and effectively
Characteristics and breeds of poultry Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll develop the ability to recognise various breeds of poultry and their characteristics. The unit covers identification by sight, description of physical features and typical behaviours, and understanding the common uses of different poultry breeds.
What you'll be able to do
- Identify different breeds of poultry
- Describe the key characteristics of different breeds of poultry
- Differentiate between different types of poultry based on their characteristics
Check and maintain levels of fluids in a motor car or van Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to check and maintain fluid levels in motor cars or vans according to manufacturer's guidelines. You'll locate fluid reservoirs, check and top up fluids, record checks, and understand the importance of maintaining fluid levels for vehicle performance and safety.
What you'll be able to do
- Check and maintain the levels of fluids in a motor car or van, following manufacturer's guidelines
- Know why fluid levels require checking and maintaining, explaining the potential consequences of neglecting fluid levels
Check and maintain lights on a motor car or van Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit teaches learners to check and maintain lights on motor cars or vans. You'll identify different light types, test their operation, recognise common faults, replace bulbs, and clean lenses to ensure vehicle lighting functionality.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to check the functionality of lights on a motor car or van
- Demonstrate the ability to maintain lights on a motor car or van, including replacing bulbs and cleaning lenses
Check that a small animal is healthy Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit provides learners with the skills to safely restrain small animals and conduct basic health checks. You'll observe key health indicators and recognise signs of good health to support animal welfare.
What you'll be able to do
- Restrain a small animal safely and humanely for a health check
- Complete a basic health check on a small animal, observing key indicators
- Recognise the signs of good health in a small animal, such as alertness, good coat condition and normal behaviour
Check that poultry are healthy Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to check poultry health by observing signs of well-being and recording findings accurately. You'll understand the importance of regular health checks for welfare and disease prevention.
What you'll be able to do
- Check poultry for signs of good health and well-being
- Know why it is important to check poultry regularly for health issues
- Understand the potential consequences of not checking poultry for health
Clean farm animal housing Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to clean out farm animal housing and bed it down effectively. You'll be able to remove soiled bedding, use appropriate tools, clean surfaces thoroughly, and dispose of waste correctly, understanding the importance of maintaining a clean environment for animal welfare.
What you'll be able to do
- Clean out farm animal pens or housing effectively
- Bed down farm animal pens or housing appropriately
- Explain the reasons why farm animal housing needs regular cleaning
Clean horse tack Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit teaches learners how to clean horse tack, including saddles and bridles, using appropriate products and techniques. You'll also understand the importance of regular cleaning for hygiene and tack maintenance.
What you'll be able to do
- Clean a saddle and bridle using appropriate techniques
- Know why tack needs to be cleaned regularly
Condition floristry plant material Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit equips learners with the skills to condition floristry plant material by removing damaged foliage, cutting stems appropriately, applying hydration techniques to foliage and flowers, and preventing bacterial growth to maintain plant quality and longevity.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare plant material for conditioning
- Apply appropriate conditioning techniques to different types of plant material
- Store conditioned plant material correctly to maintain its quality
Conduct at work Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit provides learners with knowledge of appropriate workplace conduct and the ability to demonstrate it. You'll identify expected behaviours, follow rules, and review their own conduct.
What you'll be able to do
- Know about appropriate conduct for the workplace, including expected behaviours and attitudes.
- Demonstrate good conduct in a workplace setting.
- Carry out a review of own conduct, identifying areas for improvement.
Construct a composter Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to construct a composter by identifying necessary components, following instructions accurately, and using tools safely. You'll assemble the composter to ensure stability and functionality.
What you'll be able to do
- Construct a composter according to given instructions
Control weeds in a planted area Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll identify common weeds and distinguish them from desired plants in a planted area. The unit covers various weed control methods, enabling learners to select and apply appropriate techniques while minimising harm to desirable vegetation.
What you'll be able to do
- Identify weeds present in a planted area
- Select appropriate methods for controlling weeds in a planted area
- Control weeds effectively in a planted area, minimising damage to desired plants
Create a textured finish Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll identify suitable materials for creating textured finishes and understand their properties. The unit includes safe handling and mixing procedures, as well as evaluating the characteristics of the finished texture.
What you'll be able to do
- Identify appropriate materials for creating a textured finish
- Mix materials safely and effectively to create a textured finish
- Evaluate the textured finish produced
Customer service in the hospitality industry Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll explore the importance of customer service in hospitality, develop communication skills for interacting with customers, and understand the role of personal presentation in service delivery.
What you'll be able to do
- Know the importance of providing good customer service in the hospitality industry
- Communicate effectively with customers in a hospitality setting
- Demonstrate the importance of good personal presentation when working in customer service roles
Cut building materials Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to identify various building materials and select suitable cutting tools. You'll develop the ability to use these tools safely and accurately to cut materials to specified dimensions.
What you'll be able to do
- Select appropriate cutting tools for the building materials to be cut
- Cut building materials accurately and safely using the selected tools
Decorate greenware Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to select and apply decorative techniques to greenware, considering its characteristics. You'll prepare surfaces and use appropriate tools to decorate greenware without causing damage.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to select appropriate techniques for decorating greenware
- Demonstrate the ability to apply decorative techniques to greenware effectively
- Demonstrate the ability to handle greenware carefully to avoid damage during decoration
Disinfect poultry accommodation Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll learn to disinfect poultry accommodation effectively while maintaining health and safety for people and birds. The unit covers correct disinfection procedures, use of personal protective equipment, and ensuring thorough coverage.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to disinfect poultry accommodation effectively.
- Apply health and safety procedures to protect people when disinfecting poultry accommodation.
- Apply health and safety procedures to protect birds when disinfecting poultry accommodation.
Drill holes in metal Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll identify drills and drill bits suitable for metalwork and select appropriate equipment for tasks. The unit covers preparing metal surfaces, drilling holes safely using correct techniques, and understanding personal protective measures.
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise tools used for drilling holes in metal
- Drill holes in metal using appropriate techniques
- Ensure safety when drilling holes in metal, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Drill holes in wood-based materials Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit equips learners with knowledge and skills to drill holes accurately in wood-based materials. You'll select suitable drills and bits, prepare materials, and understand drill types and their uses.
What you'll be able to do
- Drill holes in wood-based materials using appropriate techniques
- Know the reasons for using different types of drills in wood-based materials
Edge and repair a footpath Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to prepare footpaths for edging and repair, apply edging techniques to produce neat, consistent edges, and carry out repairs to maintain safe and accessible footpath surfaces using suitable tools and materials.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare a footpath for edging and repair
- Edge a footpath to a satisfactory standard
- Repair a footpath to ensure it is safe and accessible
Edge up an amenity area Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll be taught how to prepare and edge lawns, flowerbeds, or shrubberies, including clearing debris, marking out areas, selecting tools, and applying correct edging techniques to achieve a neat and consistent finish.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare an amenity area for edging
- Edge up a lawn to a defined standard
- Edge up a flowerbed to a defined standard
- Edge up a shrubbery to a defined standard
Effective written communication for the workplace Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit develops learners' understanding of different types of written workplace communication. You'll appreciate the importance of effective communication and compose professional written messages.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different types of written communication used in the workplace, such as emails, letters and reports.
- Understand why effective written communication is important for maintaining a professional image.
- Understand why effective written communication is important for conveying information accurately.
- Compose and send a written communication, such as an email or letter, for a specific purpose in the workplace.
- Use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation in written communication.
Enterprise activity Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll plan, carry out, and review an enterprise activity. The unit develops skills in planning, resource identification, teamwork, execution, and evaluation within an enterprise context.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan an enterprise activity, including identifying resources and setting objectives.
- Carry out an enterprise activity, working effectively as part of a team.
- Review an enterprise activity, evaluating its success and identifying lessons learned.
Feed young farm animals Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll prepare and feed milk substitute to young farm animals using appropriate equipment. The unit covers monitoring feeding behaviour, cleaning equipment, and understanding the nutritional and practical reasons for milk substitute use.
What you'll be able to do
- Feed milk substitute to young farm animals according to established procedures
- Know why milk substitute is fed to young farm animals, including nutritional benefits and practical considerations
Finish wood-based surfaces Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll learn to prepare and finish wood-based surfaces by cleaning, sanding, and filling imperfections. The unit includes applying finishing materials evenly using appropriate techniques to achieve a smooth and durable finish.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare wood-based surfaces for finishing
- Apply appropriate finishing techniques to wood-based surfaces
- Select suitable materials for finishing wood-based surfaces
Fit and remove a rug Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to select, fit, and remove rugs from horses safely. You'll understand rug types, fitting procedures, and safety considerations associated with rugging horses.
What you'll be able to do
- Select the correct rug for a horse
- Fit a rug to a horse correctly and safely
- Remove a rug from a horse correctly and safely
- Know the reasons for putting rugs on horses
- Know the reasons for removing rugs from horses
- Know the safety considerations when fitting and removing rugs
Gift wrap a single flower Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll develop the skills to select suitable materials and decorative elements to gift wrap a single flower. The unit covers correct wrapping techniques to ensure the flower is securely and attractively presented.
What you'll be able to do
- Select appropriate materials for gift wrapping a single flower
- Gift wrap a single flower to a presentable standard
Grading poultry eggs Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll be able to grade poultry eggs by weight using suitable weighing equipment. The unit covers the importance of grading, careful handling to prevent damage, and accurate recording of egg categories.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to grade poultry eggs according to weight categories
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and separate eggs based on weight
- Demonstrate the ability to handle eggs carefully to avoid damage during grading
Groom a small animal Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll learn to groom small animals safely and effectively. The unit covers preparation, tool selection, grooming techniques, and monitoring animals for signs of distress.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare a small animal for grooming
- Demonstrate the ability to groom a small animal safely and effectively
Guest services in the hospitality industry Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll gain the skills to work effectively within a guest services team in the hospitality industry, including understanding team roles, demonstrating teamwork, and communicating politely with customers. The unit also covers knowledge of various guest services and adherence to procedures.
What you'll be able to do
- Work effectively as part of a guest services team
- Communicate effectively with customers in a hospitality setting
- Demonstrate knowledge of a range of guest services offered in the hospitality industry
Handling stock in a retail environment Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit provides learners with knowledge and skills to handle stock safely in a retail environment. You'll practise safe unpacking, moving, storing of stock, and filling displays while adhering to health and safety regulations.
What you'll be able to do
- Unpack stock safely in a retail environment
- Move stock safely in a retail environment
- Store stock safely in a retail environment
- Fill up stock on display in a retail environment
Hang wall coverings Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit teaches learners how to prepare wall surfaces and hang wallpaper effectively. Skills include measuring, cutting, filling, sanding, and applying wallpaper with attention to pattern matching.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare a wall surface for hanging wall coverings
- Measure and cut wallpaper accurately
- Hang wallpaper smoothly and evenly, ensuring pattern matching where appropriate
Harvest a crop Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll develop the ability to identify when crops are ready for harvesting, select appropriate tools, and apply correct harvesting techniques to avoid damage. The unit also covers collection and storage of harvested crops.
What you'll be able to do
- Identify a crop that is ready for harvesting
- Use appropriate tools and techniques to harvest a crop
- Collect and store the harvested crop appropriately
Healthy living Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll explore the components of a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and sleep. They will gain knowledge to make informed choices and incorporate healthy habits into daily routines to maintain overall well-being.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what is needed for a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle through informed choices
Insert plant material Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll gain practical skills to insert plant material correctly into floral foam and soil. The unit covers techniques for correct angle and depth of insertion, avoiding damage to plant material, and ensuring secure placement for floristry or horticultural purposes.
What you'll be able to do
- Insert plant material into a designated medium
- Demonstrate correct techniques for inserting different types of plant material
- Ensure plant material is securely and appropriately inserted
Interview skills Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit develops learners' abilities to prepare for, perform in, and review interview situations. You'll gain skills in researching companies, presenting themselves professionally, communicating effectively, and evaluating their interview performance.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare effectively for an interview, including researching the company and role.
- Demonstrate the ability to present oneself professionally and perform well during an interview.
- Review and evaluate own performance at an interview, identifying areas for improvement.
Introduction to ICT Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit introduces learners to basic ICT skills including operating systems, safe practices, searching for and selecting information, and creating and presenting information using ICT applications for an agreed purpose.
What you'll be able to do
- Interact with an ICT system effectively.
- Use an ICT system.
- Follow recommended safe operating practices when using ICT systems.
- Use ICT to search for information relevant to a given task.
- Select information obtained using ICT systems.
- Use information obtained using ICT systems.
- Enter information into an ICT system.
- Develop information using an ICT system for an agreed purpose.
- Present information using an ICT system for an agreed purpose.
Introduction to personal digital photograph processing Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll be introduced to personal digital photograph processing using software. The unit covers opening and navigating software, applying basic editing functions such as cropping, brightness and contrast adjustment, rotation, and saving images in suitable formats.
What you'll be able to do
- Use a software package to open and view digital photographs
- Apply basic editing functions to digital photographs using the software package
- Save processed digital photographs in a suitable format
Introduction to selecting information using the internet Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit introduces learners to selecting information using the internet. You'll identify reliable sources, use search engines effectively, and extract relevant information from search results.
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise different sources of information available on the internet
- Search for information using appropriate search engines and techniques
- Identify relevant information from search results
Introduction to the hospitality industry Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit introduces learners to the hospitality industry, covering the main types of outlets such as hotels, restaurants, and catering services. You'll identify entry-level job roles and understand potential career pathways.
What you'll be able to do
- Know the main types of outlet within the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and catering services
- Know the job opportunities available within the hospitality industry, including entry-level positions and potential career progression
Introduction to using ICT systems Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll be introduced to ICT systems, recognising hardware and software components, operating systems safely, and using software applications. The unit emphasises safe and secure working practices.
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise the main hardware and software components of ICT systems
- Operate an ICT system, including starting up and shutting down procedures
- Understand safe and secure working practices when using ICT systems, including data protection and online safety
- Use a software application package to complete a given task
Introduction to using desktop publishing applications Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to use desktop publishing applications to create documents. They will learn to open software, insert and format text, add and position images, and save their work effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Use a desktop publishing application to create a document with text and images
Introduction to using email and text messaging Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll be introduced to using email software and mobile phones for text messaging. The unit covers composing, sending, receiving, replying to, forwarding, and managing email and text messages.
What you'll be able to do
- Use email software to compose and send emails
- Use email software to receive and manage emails
- Use a mobile phone to compose and send text messages
- Use a mobile phone to receive and manage text messages
Introduction to using graphics software Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll be introduced to graphics software, learning to create and manipulate images using basic tools. The unit covers software components, drawing, text tools, and saving work appropriately.
What you'll be able to do
- Use graphics software packages to create and manipulate images
- Use the basic functions of graphics software to achieve a desired outcome
- Demonstrate safe working practices when using graphics software
Introduction to using spreadsheet software Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll gain skills to operate spreadsheet software, including entering data, using basic formulas to manipulate data, and saving spreadsheets. The unit focuses on foundational spreadsheet functions.
What you'll be able to do
- Use spreadsheet software to enter and manipulate data
Introduction to using the internet Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit introduces learners to internet use for information access and communication. You'll demonstrate browsing, searching, and using online email services effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to use the internet to access information
- Demonstrate the ability to use the internet to communicate with others
Introduction to using the internet for shopping Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit equips learners with the skills to use the internet for online shopping safely and effectively. You'll access websites, navigate product categories, identify suitable products, compare options, complete purchases using recognised payment methods, and understand online safety.
What you'll be able to do
- Access the internet to browse online shopping websites
- Identify a suitable product for purchase online
- Complete an online purchase using a recognised payment method
- Recognise and understand online safety measures when shopping online
Introduction to using word processing software Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll develop basic skills in using word processing software, including opening and closing applications, creating and editing documents, applying formatting, saving files, and printing documents.
What you'll be able to do
- Use word processing software to create and edit documents
Investigating rights and responsibilities at work Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll gain an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers in the workplace. The unit also covers relevant legal and ethical considerations to ensure informed workplace behaviour.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand rights and responsibilities in the workplace, explaining the legal and ethical considerations for both employers and employees
Join metals Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll develop the ability to join metal surfaces using appropriate methods by identifying surfaces, selecting suitable joining techniques, preparing surfaces, applying the chosen method securely, and inspecting the joint for strength and integrity.
What you'll be able to do
- Join metal surfaces using appropriate methods
Join metals by soldering Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll develop the ability to join metals by soldering, including identifying metal components, preparing them, and selecting suitable soldering equipment and materials. The unit focuses on creating secure and reliable soldered joints through correct preparation and application techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare metal components for soldering
- Select appropriate soldering equipment and materials
- Join metal components securely using soldering techniques
Join wood-based materials Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit provides learners with the skills to join wood-based materials using adhesives. You'll identify appropriate adhesives, prepare surfaces correctly, apply adhesive according to instructions, and secure materials to ensure strong and aligned joints.
What you'll be able to do
- Join wood-based materials using appropriate adhesives
Keeping the retail work environment clean, tidy and safe Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to maintain a clean, tidy, and safe retail work environment by learning effective cleaning methods, safe waste disposal, and how to seek help during accidents or emergencies. You'll gain knowledge of hygiene standards and practical skills in cleaning retail areas.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate knowledge of how to clean retail work areas effectively
- Demonstrate the ability to dispose of waste and rubbish safely in a retail environment
- Demonstrate knowledge of how to seek assistance in the event of an accident or emergency in a retail workplace
Lay a concrete path Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit equips learners with the skills to prepare an area, mix concrete accurately, and assist in laying a concrete path. You'll also practise clearing and finishing the area following the work.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare the area for laying a concrete path under supervision
- Mix concrete to the correct consistency under supervision
- Lay concrete to create a path under supervision
- Clear the area after laying a concrete path
Lay slabs Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit provides learners with knowledge and skills to assist in laying slabs, including identifying tools and personal protective equipment, preparing the area, and handling slabs safely under supervision.
What you'll be able to do
- Assist with laying an area of slabs
Looking after customers in a retail environment Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll learn to project a positive impression of themselves and their company in a retail environment. The unit covers personal presentation, effective communication with customers, and responding appropriately to customer enquiries.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate how to project a positive impression of self to customers
- Demonstrate how to project a positive impression of the company to customers
- Use appropriate communication techniques when interacting with customers
- Respond to customer enquiries in a helpful and professional manner
Maintain an area of habitat Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to maintain an area of habitat to a specified standard by identifying maintenance requirements, performing necessary activities, monitoring the habitat, and reporting any issues. You'll gain practical skills in habitat upkeep and quality assurance.
What you'll be able to do
- Maintain an area of habitat to a specified standard
Make a coil vase or cylinder Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll prepare materials and construct a coil vase or cylinder to a specified design. The unit covers material preparation, tool use, and maintaining correct construction techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare appropriate materials for constructing a coil vase or cylinder
- Produce a coil vase or cylinder to a specified design and standard
Make a country basket arrangement Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll gain skills to create a country basket floral arrangement by selecting suitable materials, preparing the basket, and constructing a balanced and visually appealing display using appropriate techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Select appropriate materials for a country basket arrangement
- Construct a country basket arrangement
- Present a completed country basket arrangement
Make a single flower buttonhole Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll learn to create a single flower buttonhole by selecting suitable flowers and foliage, preparing materials, assembling securely, and finishing neatly to a defined standard.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to make a single flower buttonhole to a defined standard.
Mix bonding materials using a mixer Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit develops learners' ability to safely operate a mixer for bonding materials, including performing pre-use safety checks, using appropriate personal protective equipment, and responding to potential hazards.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to safely operate a mixer for bonding materials
- Demonstrate the ability to mix bonding materials to the required consistency using a mixer
- Demonstrate the ability to clean and maintain the mixer after use
Move and prepare farm animal pens Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll learn to dismantle, move, and set up farm animal pens safely. The unit covers handling pen components, following relocation instructions, and ensuring secure construction for animal safety.
What you'll be able to do
- Dismantle farm animal pens
- Move farm animal pens
- Set up farm animal pens
Personal finance Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit provides learners with knowledge of borrowing and saving money, including the advantages and disadvantages of different financial products. You'll also understand the importance of securing personal financial information.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the advantages and disadvantages of borrowing money, considering factors such as interest rates and repayment terms.
- Understand the advantages of saving money, including the potential for earning interest and achieving financial goals.
- Understand why it is important to keep personal financial information secure, recognising the risks of identity theft and fraud.
Personal presentation and hygiene Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll understand the importance of personal hygiene practices such as hand washing and oral care, as well as appropriate personal presentation. The unit highlights how these factors affect health and social interactions.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the importance of maintaining good personal hygiene practices
- Understand the importance of personal presentation and its impact on others
Planning for progression Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll understand their study or training programme, identify available facilities and support, recognise personal strengths, and agree an action plan for self-improvement.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the aims, objectives, and structure of own study or training programme.
- Know the range of facilities and support services available in the place of study or training, and how to access them.
- Recognise and articulate personal strengths (skills, qualities, and attitudes) that are beneficial for learning and work.
- Agree on a realistic and achievable action plan for self-improvement, focusing on specific areas for development.
Plant young trees Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to prepare planting sites, remove weeds and debris, and prepare soil for planting young trees. You'll select suitable tree types and plant them correctly, ensuring proper support and aftercare.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare the planting site for young trees
- Select young trees suitable for planting
- Plant young trees correctly, ensuring proper support and aftercare
Poultry housing and bedding Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll gain knowledge of suitable poultry accommodation types and their features. The unit covers recognising accommodation appropriate for different poultry types and ages, and understanding how ventilation, lighting, and space affect poultry welfare.
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise suitable types of accommodation for poultry
- Identify the features of suitable accommodation for poultry
- Describe the purpose of different types of poultry accommodation
Prepare a metal surface for treatment Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll gain knowledge of various methods to prepare metal surfaces for treatment, selecting appropriate techniques based on metal type. The unit emphasises the importance of surface preparation for effective treatment and practical removal of contaminants.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to select appropriate methods for preparing a metal surface for treatment
- Demonstrate the ability to clean a metal surface to remove contaminants
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare a metal surface to the required standard for the intended treatment
Re-use of textiles Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll develop the ability to sort textile rags into reusable items and different grades of wiping cloths. The unit covers identification of textile types and the reasons for sorting based on condition and intended use.
What you'll be able to do
- Sort rags into re-useable items
- Sort rags into different grades of wiping cloths
Recognise a healthy farm animal Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll identify key indicators of health and normal behaviour in farm animals, recognising signs of good hygiene and living conditions. The unit emphasises the importance of regular health checks to maintain animal welfare.
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise the characteristics of a healthy farm animal
- Explain the reasons why farm animals should be regularly checked for health
Recognise and use hand tools and materials used in construction Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit provides learners with the skills to recognise and use common hand tools and materials in construction. You'll demonstrate safe use, effective application, and maintenance of tools.
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise a range of common hand tools used in construction.
- Use a range of common hand tools safely and effectively.
- Recognise a range of common materials used in construction.
- Select appropriate materials for a given construction task.
Recognise and use hand tools and materials used in decorating Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll recognise and safely use hand tools and materials in decorating. The unit includes selecting appropriate paints and wallpapers and applying them using brushes, rollers, and scrapers.
What you'll be able to do
- Use hand tools safely and effectively when decorating
- Select appropriate materials for decorating tasks
- Apply materials using hand tools in a decorating context
Recognise materials used in floristry Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit introduces learners to materials commonly used in floristry. You'll recognise various types of foliage, flowers, and sundries, identify their uses in floral arrangements, and describe their key characteristics.
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise a range of materials commonly used in floristry
- Identify the specific uses of different floristry materials
- Describe the characteristics of various floristry materials
Recognise parts of plants Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to recognise different parts of plants and understand their functions. You'll identify plant components such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits, and describe the role each part plays in the plant's growth and development.
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise different parts of plants
- Describe the functions of different parts of a plant
Recognise signs of health in a horse Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit provides learners with the skills to recognise normal health indicators in horses, including behaviour, appearance, and vital signs. You'll be able to assess physical condition and report any health concerns appropriately.
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise and identify normal signs of health in a horse
- Check a horse for signs of good health, including vital signs and physical condition
- Report any observed deviations from normal health in a horse to the appropriate person
Recognise the benefits of leisure time Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll explore the concept and significance of leisure time, identifying various leisure activities and recognising their benefits. The unit emphasises how leisure contributes to a balanced lifestyle and overall wellbeing.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the meaning of leisure time and its importance in daily life.
- Recognise a range of activities that can be considered leisure time activities.
- Recognise the various benefits of engaging in leisure time activities, such as improved physical and mental wellbeing.
Recognise trees and plants and their importance to wildlife Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to recognise common trees and plants by their leaves, bark, or flowers. You'll also describe the role of trees in providing food and shelter for wildlife.
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise common trees
- Recognise common plants
- Describe the importance of trees to wildlife
- Describe the importance of plants to wildlife
Recognise types and parts of the body of small animals Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit provides learners with foundational knowledge of small animal species and anatomy. You'll identify different species and breeds, recognise and name main external body parts, and describe the basic functions of these parts.
What you'll be able to do
- Identify different species of small animals
- Recognise and name the main external parts of the body of small animals
- Describe the basic functions of the main external parts of the body of small animals
Refurbish furniture Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit equips learners with the skills to assess furniture for refurbishment, identify damage, and determine feasibility. You'll practise cleaning, repairing, and restoring furniture to a serviceable standard using appropriate methods and materials.
What you'll be able to do
- Assess furniture to determine its suitability for refurbishment
- Prepare furniture for refurbishment, including cleaning and repair
- Refurbish furniture to a serviceable standard for re-use, using appropriate techniques and materials
Refurbish or re-use discarded item Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to identify discarded items suitable for refurbishment or re-use, assess their condition, and apply appropriate tools and techniques safely. You'll ensure the refurbished item is fit for purpose.
What you'll be able to do
- Identify a discarded item that is suitable for refurbishment or re-use
- Refurbish or re-use the discarded item safely and effectively
- Ensure the refurbished or re-used item is fit for its intended purpose
Remove screws Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit provides learners with the skills to identify different screw types and select appropriate tools for removal. You'll practise safe working methods to remove screws without causing damage.
What you'll be able to do
- Select the appropriate tools for removing screws
- Remove screws safely and effectively
- Dispose of screws appropriately
Remove, check and replace a wheel on a motor car or van Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll learn to inspect wheels for damage and wear, safely remove and replace wheels on motor vehicles using correct tools and procedures, ensuring secure refitting and safe operation.
What you'll be able to do
- Safely check a wheel on a motor car or van for damage and wear.
- Safely remove a wheel from a motor car or van using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Correctly replace a wheel on a motor car or van, ensuring it is securely fastened.
Replace spark plugs Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit covers the safe removal and replacement of spark plugs. You'll identify different types of spark plugs, select the correct replacements for specific engines, and demonstrate safe removal and disposal procedures.
What you'll be able to do
- Safely remove old spark plugs from an engine.
- Select the correct replacement spark plugs.
- Correctly install new spark plugs.
Restore a metal surface to a painted finish Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll learn to restore metal surfaces by removing paint or rust, preparing surfaces, and rectifying imperfections. The unit includes applying primer and paint to achieve a smooth, even, and properly dried finish.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare a metal surface for restoration
- Demonstrate the ability to restore a metal surface to a painted finish
Restore a timber surface to a painted finish Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll learn to restore timber surfaces to an acceptable painted finish. This includes assessing timber condition, removing existing paint safely, and preparing the surface for repainting.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare a timber surface for restoration
- Remove existing paint or finishes from a timber surface
- Apply a new painted finish to a restored timber surface to an acceptable standard
Rights, responsibilities and citizenship Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit provides learners with an understanding of individual and citizen rights and responsibilities, the role of rules and laws, and the democratic process including different types of elections. You'll explore the relationship between rights, responsibilities, and citizenship.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand individual rights and responsibilities within society
- Understand the rights and responsibilities of a citizen within a community and nation
- Understand aspects of rules and laws and their impact on individuals and society
- Know different types of elections and the democratic process
Saddle and bridle a horse Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
It teaches you to select and fit appropriate saddles and bridles for horses, check equipment for damage, and position saddles correctly to ensure the horse's comfort and safety during use.
What you'll be able to do
- Select the correct saddle for a horse
- Fit a saddle to a horse correctly and safely
- Select the correct bridle for a horse
- Fit a bridle to a horse correctly and safely
Safe learning in the workplace Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit introduces learners to health and safety legislation relevant to the workplace. You'll identify common risks and hazards and understand the responsibilities of individuals and organisations in maintaining workplace safety.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key aspects of health and safety legislation relevant to the workplace.
- Know about common risks and hazards that may be present in a workplace environment.
- Know what responsibilities individuals and organisations have for maintaining safety in the workplace.
Searching for a job Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit equips learners with the skills to identify job sectors and roles, understand required skills and qualifications, and consider personal interests. You'll practise searching for job vacancies using various methods effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Find out about opportunities for work, considering different sectors and roles.
- Search for job vacancies using a range of methods.
Serving food and drink Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll develop the skills to serve food and drink to customers professionally, including preparing simple food and drink items, presenting them attractively, serving politely and efficiently, following correct procedures, and working effectively as part of a service team.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare food and drink items for service to customers
- Serve food and drink to customers in a professional manner
- Clear tables and work areas efficiently
- Communicate effectively with colleagues as part of a food and drink service team
- Follow health and safety procedures within a food and drink service environment
Show visitors around a small animal enterprise Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit develops learners' ability to greet visitors politely and professionally in a small animal enterprise. They will follow health and safety procedures while guiding visitors safely and providing relevant information about the unit.
What you'll be able to do
- Greet visitors to a small animal unit in a polite and professional manner
- Show visitors around the small animal unit safely and effectively
- Provide visitors with relevant information about the animals and the unit
Show visitors around a wildlife area Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll learn to greet and guide visitors around a wildlife area professionally. They will provide accurate information about the area's features, respond to questions, and demonstrate appropriate visitor interaction.
What you'll be able to do
- Greet visitors to a wildlife area in a polite and professional manner
- Show visitors around a wildlife area, providing relevant information and answering questions
Shred waste vegetation Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit equips learners with the skills to collect, sort, and prepare waste vegetable matter for shredding. You'll safely operate shredding equipment and manage the disposal of shredded material in accordance with instructions.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare waste vegetable matter for shredding
- Operate equipment to shred waste vegetable matter safely
- Dispose of shredded waste vegetable matter appropriately
Slip decorate and glaze a pot Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit covers the techniques of decorating a pot using slip and applying glaze, emphasising the importance of correct preparation of clay and glaze. You'll develop practical skills in slip decoration and glazing, and evaluate the quality of their finished work.
What you'll be able to do
- Decorate a pot effectively using slip techniques
- Apply glaze to a decorated pot to a satisfactory standard
- Recognise the importance of correct preparation of clay for decorating and glazing
- Understand the importance of correct preparation of glaze for application
Throw a pot Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit equips learners with fundamental pottery wheel techniques, including preparing and centring clay, forming pots with consistent wall thickness, and shaping to specified designs.
What you'll be able to do
- Use techniques to throw a pot
Treat a metal surface Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll be able to prepare and treat metal surfaces safely and effectively. The unit covers identifying metal types, selecting appropriate treatments, and applying them following instructions.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare a metal surface for treatment
- Apply appropriate treatment to a metal surface
- Work safely when treating a metal surface
Undertaking work placement Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll identify potential work placement opportunities aligned with their interests and skills, understand workplace expectations and responsibilities, and reflect on their placement experience to inform future career decisions.
What you'll be able to do
- Identify potential work placement opportunities by researching local businesses and considering personal interests and skills
- Know what is expected during the work placement, including responsibilities, conduct, and adherence to workplace policies
- Reflect on the experience of the work placement, evaluating personal performance, identifying areas for improvement, and considering future career options
Water plant material by hand Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
This unit covers the selection and use of hoses or watering cans to water plant material effectively. You'll apply water evenly at appropriate rates while avoiding damage to plants and minimising water wastage.
What you'll be able to do
- Select the appropriate equipment for watering plant material, either a hose or watering can
- Water plant material thoroughly and evenly using a hose or watering can
- Ensure that plant material is watered without causing damage or water wastage
Wax and polish a motor car or van Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll gain the skills to prepare a motor vehicle for waxing and polishing, select suitable products, and apply them correctly to achieve a satisfactory finish. This unit focuses on practical techniques for vehicle care and surface maintenance.
What you'll be able to do
- Wax and polish a motor car or van, following appropriate procedures and using suitable products to achieve a satisfactory finish
Weigh farm animals Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll prepare and calibrate weighing equipment, handle farm animals calmly and safely, and record accurate weight measurements. The unit emphasises correct positioning and documentation of weights.
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare the weighing equipment for weighing farm animals
- Weigh farm animals accurately and safely
- Record the weight of the farm animals correctly
Working as part of a team Real unit · City & Guilds Limited
You'll understand the principles of teamwork, including roles, communication, and responsibilities. The unit teaches you to contribute effectively to team tasks by following plans and collabourating to achieve shared objectives.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how to work as part of a team, recognising the roles and responsibilities of team members.
- Understand the benefits of team working, including increased productivity and improved problem-solving.
- Understand how to work towards a team task, contributing effectively to the achievement of shared goals.
- Follow the plan to achieve the task, adhering to agreed procedures and timelines.
By email
Free, by email
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03The standards
The national standards these units are built against
What the job actually needs, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
- Standard
Applying surface finishes to woodwork components and structures
04Where it leads
The jobs these credits are mapped to
A qualification is never a dead end here. Each of these is a job record this qualification is a mapped route into.
- 1 record
Where this can lead
Sales Associate
This role can lead to running a store, specialising in visual merchandising, or training other sales staff.
See the whole journeyStill deciding?
One email to help you decide: the facts, what it teaches, the jobs it leads to and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.
05The credits
The credits, and who awards them
Entry Level credits are regulated, and they are awarded by City & Guilds Limited rather than by Zavmo. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you have covered and what is next.
What you would be collecting
Apply finishing material to wood-based surfacesAssist with catching and restraining a small animalBasic cookingBasic food preparationBuild a straight section of wallCast a potCatch and lead a horseCharacteristics and breeds of poultry
Each one is a real unit registered against this qualification.
How you’d practise it
You don’t watch this. You do it.
You are not assessed on remembering this. You are assessed on applying it, analysing it, evaluating it and producing something. So that is what the practice is: projects, role play and your own live cases, with a tutor in the room.
The Coach · your practice partner Illustration The Coach You have to open the conversation in “Interview skills”. Say the first line to me, exactly as you would say it to them.
You I wanted to have a quick chat about how things have been going recently.
The Coach That is the warning shot, and they will spend it worrying. Try the version that says what this is about in the first sentence.
- Rehearse the conversation Apply
“Interview skills” is a conversation before it is a document. You have it with Zavmo playing the other person, badly at first, then again once you know what you actually want to say.
- Pitch it Evaluate
“Enterprise activity” gets practised as a pitch. You make the case out loud, Zavmo asks the question the room would ask, and you make it again.
- Bring your own plan Create
For “Condition floristry plant material” you bring the plan you are actually working on, not a case study. Zavmo pulls on the assumptions in it until the weak one shows.
- Draft the real one Create
You do “Personal finance” on a real document of your own. Zavmo works on the draft you have to send anyway, so the coursework and the job are the same piece of work.
How you would learn this
One to one, on the work you already do
A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.
A lesson from Apply finishing material to wood-based surfaces, one of this qualification's own units.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
Which job do you mean?
This unit covers the preparation of wood-based surfaces and the selection and application of appropriate finishing materials. Learners will develop skills to apply finishes evenly, allow proper drying, and inspect surfaces for quality and imperfections.
How the thinking builds
- 1 Remember
- 2 Understand
- 3 Apply
- 4 Analyse
- 5 Evaluate
- 6 Create
It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time. Teaching towards this qualification begins when you subscribe.
Built for City & Guilds Entry Level Award in Skills for Working Life (Entry 3)
107 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by City & Guilds Limited.
- Apply finishing material to wood-based surfaces
- Assist with catching and restraining a small animal
- Basic cooking
- Basic food preparation
- Build a straight section of wall
- Cast a pot
and 101 more in the full unit list below.
Free tools
Want a read on where you stand?
Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.
Learned on your own work, taught one-to-one.
Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your free first module is Future Fluency, so you can see how the teaching works before you pay for anything.
Start my free AI Fluency moduleNo card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.
The title, level, credits, guided learning hours and unit learning outcomes on this page are taken from the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Where this data comes from.