Step-by-Step Process for Developing Essential Skills

The following step-by-step process for developing Essential Skills is based on the research summarized in the case studies.

1. Assess organizational skill needs

• Employers typically become aware of skill gaps when they observe employees having difficulty performing work tasks or when productivity needs to be increased.
• Employers’ assessments of skill gaps are often contextualized to the work environment.
• A key part of assessment is identifying which Essential Skills within job-specific skill sets need to be improved to enhance employee performance.

2. Determine the skill gaps of individual employees

• Employers and trainers need to engage employees to assess individual skill needs.
• Employers should carefully consider confidentiality of assessment data and the way they will use the results.
• Employers need to be sensitive to employees’ anxieties related to assessment and learning.
• Employers should link Essential Skills gap identification to performance reviews to identify training needs and skill performance on the job.

3. Set Essential Skills targets for individual employees

• Employees need a specific action plan to address their own Essential Skills gaps.
• Employees need to be able to visualize easier and more efficient job task performance as a result of upgrading their Essential Skills.
• Employees who “personalize” their need for Essential Skills training are better able to track and celebrate their progress.