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

2. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 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

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

4. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 Two Approaches to Training Traditional Academic –Based on Subjects –Curriculum based on topics –Emphasis on knowledge or theory –Time is fixed - learning is variable –Lectures, demonstrations –Norm referenced assessment –Teacher focused –Institution needs Competency Based –Based on Occupations –Curriculum based on job competencies –Emphasis on performance / practice –Learning is fixed - time is variable –Learning modules –Criterion referenced assessment –Learner focused –Employment needs

5. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 Some of the Generic Skills Communication -oral and written Teamwork Learning-to-Learn Decision making Problem solving Creative thinking Interpersonal skills Leadership That’s fine, but what were some of the specific skills?

6. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 Why Generic Skills? Changes to how work is organised The need for greater flexibility among workers Increased responsibility passed on to more workers Workers brought into the decision-making process Proliferation of service jobs requiring worker/customer interaction I wonder why there is so much talk about generic skills these days.

7. 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

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

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

10. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 DEFINING COMPETENCY COMPETENCY 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

11. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 LIMITATIONS  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

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

13. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 STANDARDS-BASED CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT STANDARD 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.

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

15. 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

16. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 3.Training Delivery of accredited courses and recognised training programmes by trained providers ensures that quality vocational training is provided to the workforce 4.Assessment of Competency involves judging the competency of individuals against the established competency standard

17. 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

18. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 6.Monitoring and verification processes ensure that the vocational training system delivers national competency standards 7.Review of industry competency standards on a regular basis ensures that the standards remain relevant to the actual needs of industry

19. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 Implications for the Workforce

20. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 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

21. 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

22. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. TVET/BCC TOT 2007 THANK YOU