By Mike Hitchen Consulting - the consultancy that puts principles before profits.The gap between required competencies and current competencies is the portion of skills and knowledge the learner needs to achieve to be recognised as competent in a particular task or job. The gap may refer to physical skills, for example driving a forklift or using a photocopier, or it may refer to underlying knowledge, for example, OH&S using the forklift or the different types of photocopier available.
The competency of an individual refers to their ability to perform the task or job competently in all situations and under varying conditions. Therefore, there are five dimensions of competency under which the individual has to be able to perform.
Task skills
Performing at an acceptable level of skill
Task management skills
Managing a number of different tasks within the job
Contingency management skills
Responding and reacting appropriately to unexpected problems, changes in routine and breakdown
Job/role environment skills
Fulfilling the responsibilities and expectations of the workplace
Transfer skills
Transferring skills and knowledge to new situations and contexts
When you are identifying gaps, physical skills or underlying knowledge, you also have to look at these dimensions of competence and make sure the learner can perform all the skills required under these conditions.
Tomorrow: Analyse the participants
Mike Hitchen
Mike Hitchen Consulting
