Writing Competency Standards That Work!

Writing Competency Standards That Work!

It has been nearly 25 years since the world was introduced to systematic vocational education and training – so why are most countries still suffering economic hardship? <br /> <br />For nearly a quarter of a century we have been told that vocational education and training (VET) is all about meeting the needs of the modern workplace. That training received by students, and the skills of experienced workers, will not only be recognised as meeting workplace needs, they will enhance productivity and create greater economic rewards. <br /> <br />After a world-wide investment measured in the billions of dollars, where is the evidence that this has actually occurred? Not only is there little or no evidence that individuals, organisations, industries and communities have achieved economic success, there is growing concern that the opposite has been the result. That industries and economies are actually suffering. <br /> <br />Unemployment is still high, companies are still closing, jobs are still going off-shore, and the economy is still leaning towards the ‘big end’ of town. The 2008 global financial meltdown and the massive economic and personal hardships which resulted are just one example of vocational education gone wrong. <br />But this book is not about fixing the world’s economic problems. It is about working one job, one function, one workplace at a time to create the conditions whereby the economy can look after itself. It is about accurately describing the skills and knowledge essential to every function in the workplace – from new starter to old hand, and from frontline supervisor to chief executive. It is about taking charge and telling teachers, trainers and educators that these are the competencies that the world needs. <br /> <br />This book is about fixing one of the most important failures of the national and international VET sector, the failure to really understand the nature of the workplace and the skills and knowledge that competent workers must have – and apply - in order to achieve objectives important to them and their community. <br /> <br />Renowned Vocational Education and Training thought leader, Dr Phil Rutherford, author of the best-selling book, Competency-Based Assessment: A Guide to Implementation, reveals: <br />• Why vocational education and training doesn’t work; <br />• How to identify the real needs of the modern workplace; and <br />• How to create simple statements that accurately capture the real needs of employees, supervisors and managers regardless of industry or profession. <br /> <br />More importantly, you will learn how to capture these needs in simply and jargon free terminology that enables trainers to develop programs that provide the skills and knowledge essential for employees at all levels, in all vocations, to achieve organisational and industry objectives. <br /> <br />Phil is a world leading authority on vocational education and training. He was part of the team that introduce the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) system in the UK, the Australian and New Zealand Qualifications Systems, and has advised on the creation of numerous VET systems around the world. He has led projects that have saved companies millions of dollars in staff training costs and is the leading author and speaker on Competency-Based Assessment processes. <br /> <br /> <br />