CTVSD1/Resources/Competency models

Defining competencies that are essential for workplace success.

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and industry partners collaborate to develop and maintain dynamic models of the foundation and technical competencies that are necessary in economically vital industries and sectors of the American economy. The goal of their effort is to promote an understanding of the skill sets and competencies that are essential to educate and train a globally competitive workforce.

The models they have developed for different industries are worth exploring as they serve as a resource to inform discussions among industry leaders, educators, economic developers, and public workforce investment professionals as they collaborate to:

• Identify specific employer skill needs.
• Develop competency-based curricula and training models.
• Develop industry-defined performance indicators, skill standards, and certifications.
• Develop resources for career exploration and guidance.

Some good examples are: The competency model framework for Advanced Manufacturing. It is a comprehensive model developed through a collaborative effort involving the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and leading industry organizations. The model reflects the knowledge and skills needed by today's manufacturing workforce. The updated in 2020 version represents a unification of competencies across a wider range of industries related to Advanced Manufacturing. It includes personal, academic, workplace and industry wide competencies as well as sector and occupation specific and management competencies.

ETA also worked with a range of engineering associations and other technical and subject matter experts from industry, education, and government to develop a comprehensive competency model for engineering. The experts provided critical input on the profession's skill requirements to ensure that the Engineering Competency Model evolves to accommodate changing skill requirements in the future.

There are also competency models developed for Residential Construction and Information Technology and other industries that are worth exploring.