Competency Based Education and Training: Implications for Workforce Antonia Coward PhD. TVET/BCC TOT 2007

Discuss the underpinnings of the competency-based training approach UNIT 1 COMPETENCIES On successful completion of the presentation, participants will be able to: Discuss the underpinnings of the competency-based training approach Comment critically on the strengths and limitations of competency-based training Establish the link between competency-based training and the implications for the workforce TVET/BCC TOT 2007

THE COMPETENCY-BASED APPROACH TO EDUCATION AND TRAINING GAP Education and training provided by institutions Job requirements for competent performance DIFFERENCE CLOSING THE GAP: Training Targeting Defining the gap clearly Specifying the occupational standards Applying the “functional analysis approach” to training TVET/BCC TOT 2007

Characteristics of Competency Based Training (CBT) Modularization Credit for experience Self-paced learning Open entry and exit Criterion referenced assessment Graduates are job ready TVET/BCC TOT 2007

Industry institute interaction Standards and competencies are verified Quality assurance Emphasises mastery Systematic record-keeping and feedback mechanisms TVET/BCC TOT 2007

WHAT IS MEANT BY “COMPETENCY”? TVET/BCC TOT 2007

DEFINING COMPETENCY COMPETENCY performance of integrated skills, An observable, measurable behaviour / performance of integrated skills, knowledge and attitudes, using specific tools, equipment, materials and techniques to complete tasks generally associated with an occupation or job TVET/BCC TOT 2007

LIMITATIONS of minute details May be time consuming in its true form, May be misused to exaggerate the importance of minute details May be time consuming in its true form, owing to the focus on: Functional analysis, identifying core abilities, competencies, learning objectives and standards TVET/BCC TOT 2007

WHAT IS MEANT BY “A STANDARD”? TVET/BCC TOT 2007

STANDARDS-BASED CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT The standard is a specification of the minimum level of acceptable quality in a product, procedure or process (including a service): “minimum” here equates with a benchmark – “it” must at least display these features/characteristics/qualities to be considered acceptable. “Minimum” does not mean “low” standard. TVET/BCC TOT 2007

Linking Competency Based Training and National Occupational Standards TVET/BCC TOT 2007

1. Course Development: training objectives, curricula and learning materials, is based on the achievement of established competency standards or use of the DACUM approach/ functional analysis 2. Course Accreditation/verification by training recognition bodies ensures that courses and training programmes are designed to achieved the established competency standards TVET/BCC TOT 2007

Assessment of Competency Training Delivery of accredited courses and recognised training programmes by trained providers ensures that quality vocational training is provided to the workforce Assessment of Competency involves judging the competency of individuals against the established competency standard TVET/BCC TOT 2007

5. Certification is formal recognition that an individual has achieved or demonstrated the required standard of competency. Provision of a credential or statement of attainment will assist the individual in proving their skills when moving between jobs (portability) and in career progression in general TVET/BCC TOT 2007

Monitoring and verification processes ensure that the vocational training system delivers national competency standards Review of industry competency standards on a regular basis ensures that the standards remain relevant to the actual needs of industry TVET/BCC TOT 2007

Implications for the Workforce TVET/BCC TOT 2007

Allows prior learning to be formally recognized Ensures that skills and knowledge are transferable and portable across workplaces and industries Allows prior learning to be formally recognized Provides targeted training to meet industry requirements TVET/BCC TOT 2007

Improves recruitment through a national system of skills recognition Clarifies work requirements and responsibilities thereby facilitating reduction in industrial conflicts Provides employees who have the requisite competencies to give companies competitive advantage in the global market place TVET/BCC TOT 2007

Links present and future industry skill needs with work organisation Improves the quality of the labour force with more relevant “skill sets” Links present and future industry skill needs with work organisation Assists in evaluating the skill levels of prospective and existing workers TVET/BCC TOT 2007

Emphasises flexibility and continued skill development to facilitate faster adjustment to change Increases access to cost efficient training through being able to select from a range of training providers and through being able to identify and select the parts of the training offered that are most relevant to the industry TVET/BCC TOT 2007

Makes clear the skills levels needed to compete for and maintain jobs Identifies the qualification path relevant to the areas of work Provide workers who are better able to compete in the global markets TVET/BCC TOT 2007

THANK YOU TVET/BCC TOT 2007