Two new projects announced today (12 November) will aim to provide a better understanding of the role immersive technology can play in the recognition and appreciation of essential employability skills, otherwise known as soft skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and resilience.  

Thanks to support from NCFE’s Assessment Innovation Fund, and in partnership with Ufi VocTech Trust, Bodyswaps and Sixty Learn Ltd, both experiential learning platforms, have received over £100,000 each to explore the implications on distinct learner groups. 

Through its Story of Learner Growth project, Bodyswaps will look at how immersive technology and AI can support inclusive, low-stress, and meaningful assessment of essential skills in vocational education by focusing on learners in construction and motor vehicle apprenticeships, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  

Sixty Learn Ltd will deploy its pioneering experiential learning platform, enabling students to practice and evidence essential workplace skills. Through immersive, AI-powered simulations, learners are placed in realistic workplace scenarios - such as giving a manager an update, planning workloads, or handling colleague conversations.  

Each learner receives personalised, actionable feedback, while institutions benefit from being able to provide scalable, tailored support and gain deeper insight into learner progress. The project will generate a whitepaper evidencing the impact of this innovative, learner-centric approach on confidence, fairness, and the perceived value of AI-driven assessment and feedback 

Dr Rebecca Conway, Director of Research and Innovation at NCFE, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Bodyswaps and Sixty Learn Ltd on two projects that evaluate new approaches to assessing the essential skills most valued by employers. As the recent Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper sets out, many people lack the skills needed to progress and thrive in the workplace. We hope that these projects will provide valuable insights that can shape new and innovative training and assessment approaches to address skills gaps.”  

When it comes to preparing learners for the world of work, essential skills are just as critical as technical knowledge. These skills are often the hardest to assess - and the easiest to overlook – despite workplace readiness being critical for helping learners transition into employment. 

Chris Mallet, Co-founder and CEO of Bodyswaps, said: “Essential or soft skills are consistently recognised as a key factor in learners’ success - both in education and employment. Yet in many colleges and vocational settings, these skills remain under-assessed and undervalued. This project aims to change that by empowering educators with the tools to make essential skills development visible, measurable, and meaningfully recognised. 

“Through this work, we will equip educators with flexible, data-informed tools, enable learners to engage in impactful practice and receive actionable feedback, and ensure inclusive assessment experiences for all. Ultimately, we aim to validate a roadmap for the sector-wide adoption of measurable soft skills development, helping every learner reach their full human and professional potential.” 

Ellie Simpson, co-founder of Sixty Learn Ltd, said: “We know employability training is often optional, unassessed, and undervalued – directly impacting learners’ futures. I experienced first-hand what it’s like to enter the world of work with no support in developing or understanding these critical skills. Without credible assessment, students lack personal insight or recognition for the skills employers value most – and we’re on a mission to change that.  

“Our workplace simulations allow students to practice and understand their skill level in real time - addressing a critical gap. Our scalable, inclusive, and behaviour-based assessment model supports institutions under pressure to improve student outcomes, while giving learners meaningful opportunities to practice, develop, and gain insight into their strengths and areas for growth.” 

Both projects have been made possible by NCFE’s Assessment Innovation Fund. Launched in 2021 to help provide evidence-based, alternative assessment solutions with real-life impact, it has already invested over £1 million across a range of innovative projects and, alongside its partnership with Ufi Voctech Trust, champions the power of technology to improve skills for work and deliver better outcomes for all. 

Jane Holmes, Associate Director of Grants at Ufi VocTech Trust, said: “As the world of work continues to change at pace, employability skills are essential in helping individuals and organisations adapt and thrive. We look forward to seeing how these two new innovations can help develop and provide recognition of these crucial skills.” 

Discover more about both projects and the Assessment Innovation Fund, and discover how you can get involved.