While the concept of skills is traditionally associated with technical and manual jobs, it is in fact valid for all professional activities.
Let us recall the definition of a competence: it is the mobilization of its internal resources (knowledge, know-how and interpersonal skills) and external resources in a context that can be transposed.
The competency-based approach therefore consists in: rely on the realities of the field to identify the essential skills to be acquired in order to exercise a professional activity.
The competency-based approach leads to develop a much more individualized design of vocational training with an emphasis on the specific needs of each learner. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach where all learners follow the same learning program, APC recognizes that each individual has different skills, knowledge, and previous experiences.
By adopting an individualized approach, APC makes it possible to take into account the interests, professional goals and skills already acquired by each learner. This makes it possible to personalize the training process by targeting the specific skills that need to be developed to achieve the intended professional goals.
The individualization of training can be done through various methods:
- Initial competency assessment : Before starting the training, an assessment of the learner's initial skills can be carried out. This makes it possible to identify skills already acquired, gaps and specific development needs. This assessment can take the form of tests, questionnaires, interviews, or practical exercises.
- Creating personalized learning paths : Once competencies have been assessed, personalized learning paths can be designed for each learner. These paths are tailored to the individual needs, professional goals, and learning preferences of each learner. They may include specific training modules, practical activities, projects, internships, or mentoring sessions.
- Use of adapted teaching resources : The individualization of training involves providing learners with educational resources adapted to their needs. This may include videos, online courses, simulations, quizzes, or other learning materials. Resources can be selected based on each learner's learning preferences and how they best absorb information.
- Individualized support : Individual support by trainers, mentors or tutors is another method of individualizing training. These individuals can provide personalized support, advice, and feedback to learners. They can answer questions, help solve problems, guide learners in learning, and encourage them to reach their goals.
This individualized approach allows maximizing the effectiveness of training by focusing on the skills that are really needed for each learner.
It also promotes the commitment and motivation of learners, because they feel more taken into account and supported in their learning journey.
In summary, the competency-based approach leads to the development of a much more individualized design of training, by recognizing and responding to the specific needs of each learner, which favors a better match between the skills developed and the requirements of the professional world.
