The Go4VocationalSkills project is carried out within a Polish-Spanish-Bulgarian-Greek partnership. The main objective of the project is to improve the quality of education in technical schools in Europe through the implementation of a tool for analyzing the competency gap of vocational students in fields: construction technician, logistics technician, renewable energy technician. A key outcome is an IT system for a comprehensive assessment of students’ competencies in selected fields of study.
The system makes it possible to evaluate young people preparation for the requirements of the labor market, which is possible by assessing their competency levels in various areas and comparing them with what is desired for typical professions in the industry. In cooperation with experts, we created patterns/profiles of employees, i.e. competency matrices for selected professions/positions. We developed several hundred test questions to assess the knowledge, skills and attitudes of students in selected fields of study. Using advanced statistical methods, we prepared an algorithm comparing test results with the requirements set by experts in a given industry. Eventually, we compared the obtained results with these requirements, and presented this comparison in graphic form.
In our project, we distinguished twelve types of competencies, including three professional (theoretical knowledge, practical skills and specialized ICT software) and nine universal ones, that is, competencies which are not linked to any specific fields of study or occupation but which can be useful in any place of work. As far as professional competencies are concerned, we prepared questions dedicated to the main areas of knowledge and skills according to the criteria of specific fields of study. In each of the fields of study analysed, we distinguished four areas that represent their key content. Next, we developed one set of questions for universal competencies, regardless of the field of study, and ensured that assessments of different types of competencies are comparable.
In order to take full advantage of the capabilities of this IT tool, it is necessary to become familiar with the substantive details of the assumptions of its design as well as examples of the interpretation of results. That’s why we have prepared a guide to the application, which we hope will enable you to use this application in a smooth and problem-free way. In the following sections of this guide, we will show you the essential details of the tool and an example of interpreting the results obtained after completing the test.
More about the project and its results, as well as the results of the research conducted: https://g4vs.dobrekadry.pl/
The sole responsibility of this publication lies with the author. The European Union is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.