| |
The interaction of globalization, technological development and changes in the organization of work has resulted in the demand of higher and different skills. Skills have become increasingly important in determining an individual's ability to secure a job, retain employment and move flexibly in the labour market. Today's world of work calls for individuals who are able to flexibly acquire, adapt, apply and transfer their knowledge to different contexts and under varying technological conditions, and to respond independently and creatively.
Although vocational skills remain important, another category has become crucial for determining individuals' ability to engage in lifelong learning, secure a job, retain employment and move flexibly in the labour market. When employers are asked what competencies job applicants are missing they mention, most frequently, the following skills: learning how to learn; competence in reading, writing and computing; effective listening and oral communication skills; adaptability through creative thinking and problem-solving; personal management; interpersonal skills; the ability to work in teams or groups; basic technology skills; and leadership effectiveness. There is consensus over the requirement of these higher and non-vocational skills that enable the individual to perform at work and in society. In other terms, an individual's employability is the result of a set of vocational and core-work skills that can be transferred between and across occupational sectors.
The ILO is currently undertaking research on core work skills with the objective of raising awareness and understanding in non-industrialized countries on the integration of these skills with vocational skills and promote employability and lifelong learning. This research concentrates on the development of skills for the world of work, especially in developing and transition contexts. The aim is to identify good practices, methodologies and enabling mechanisms that can be shared amongst countries in the introduction of policies and programmes that encompass core work skills.
|
|
|
