Now it's all getting to sound a bit like a lot of hard work. How important are these Key Skills anyway? Why would you need them? At this point, you might need a bit of convincing. OK, let's try something. Imagine your favourite celebrity, someone up there with the great and the good. They're so successful, it's hard to imagine that they would ever have to think about something like Key Skills. But, ask yourself …

• Would Sean Paul be able to DJ if he didn't know anything about technology?
• Would Robbie Williams be able to figure out his million pound record deals if he was clueless about numbers?
• Would either of them be able to give such great performances if they didn't know how to communicate?

The same skills they use are just as important in your life. Most jobs nowadays involve the use of computers, spreadsheets and word processing. Knowing how to use these will mean that you can be more effective at your job. If you're going on to college, these skills will help you improve on the way you learn. You'll find that you're more resourceful and independent in the ways you study.

It doesn't stop there. Key Skills will also help you to cope with everyday life - from knowing how to communicate with other people to finding the best ways of managing your finances.