Labour market competences in the 21st century

Sigríður Hulda Jónsdóttir, MA in Educational and Vocational Counseling

SHJ ráðgjöf, shjradgjof@shjradgjof.isSHJráðgjöf

I. Skills in the labor market in the 21. century three major researches - main theme

Important skills according to managers of 233 different companies (Archer and Davison, 2008)

List of desirable skills (National employers skills survey etc.)

Rainbow Model of the P21 Committee Skills that graduates mostly lack

II. Education; learning environment and teaching methods that promote 21. century skills

III. Discussions at tablesSHJráðgjöf

The structure of the workshop

How do we educate the future workforce?(vocational/academics)

The future

• Shorter period at each job – more work contractors

• The employee will need to market himself much more (often) in the future job market

• Technological advances

• Life long learning

• Creation of new jobs that we don’t know yet - ?%

The nature and duties of the school system

• Is the school system conservative by nature?

• Is the school system constructive for all young people?

• Conversation with industry or “school-system based” debate

• Is the school system for students or staff/the system itself?

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The learning environment should enhance students' confidence in

their own abilities, knowledge of their strengths and the ability to

connect it to the work environment.

Most companies seek individuals who demonstrate the ability to deal

with complex tasks, are creative and imaginative, those who adapt to

new developments quickly and efficiently, have good communication and

collaboration skills and are flexible

(Trilling and Fadel, 2009).

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,,Soft skills”

So-called ,,soft skills” are the most desired skills of the employees and may even be more important in hiring a person than the person's degree itself.

It is clear that the professional and technical knowledge is the basis of many jobs, but the ability or inability of the soft interdisciplinary skills elements adds them or reduces the possibility of those who have the relevant degree, to get a sought-job and to be able to perform it. (Trilling and Fadel, 2009; Gerður G. Óskarsdóttir, 2003)

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Most important skills of the employes according to the opinion of managers in 233 different companies (Based on Archer and Davison (2008)

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Communication skills 86%

Team-working skills 85%

Integrity 83%

Intellectual ability 81%

Confidence 80%

Good character/personality 75%

Planning & organizational skills 74%

Literacy/good writing skills 71%

Numeracy/good with numbers 68%Analysis & decision –making skills 67%

IT-skills 61%

Good degree qualification 60%

III. Discussions1. How do we strenghten: Communication skills Creativity, innovation Interest in the studies and one‘s

future Ability to “market“ oneself / personal

branding

2. How do we strenghten: Self-knowledge and self-confidence in

own skills Social responsibility, morality, personal

qualities and devotion Skills to work with information,

analysis, planning and decision making

3. How do we strengthen: Leadership skills and the ability to

take the responsibility Independent work, initiative and

entrepreneurship Adaptability, flexibility and solution-

based approach

4. How do we address these factors below in the learning environment: Authentic learning Mental model building Internal motivation Multiple intelligences Social learning Connections/holistic approach

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