Professional learning has become an essential element in a constantly changing world of work. To remain competitive on the job market and adapt to new social and technological realities, it is crucial to develop and regularly update your professional skills, as part of vocational training.
Taking a course is a personal investment that requires time, especially if we already have very busy days. How to get some of your skills recognized and continue to train, without necessarily engaging in a long training course? The acquisition of skill blocks is an excellent solution to consider, with different modalities to discover.
What is a skill block?
In France, the definition of competency block was created and implemented with the reform and the 2014 law on vocational training, employment and social democracy. A skills block is a part of a degree, corresponding to independent and specific education. Competence blocks are the components of training courses registered with the RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications). They form a set of professional skills recognized by the State, which can be evaluated and validated separately during a training course.
So we can say thatA competency block is a mini-certification or a sub-certification. They also allow the validation of one's acquired knowledge by experience (VAE), without going back to the studies box. These skill blocks can cover a wide range of areas, ranging from technical job skills such as computer programming, graphic design or project management, to transversal courses such as Communication, problem solving, teamwork, etc. In addition, these blocks are certifications valid for life.
Here is an example of 2 skill blocks, which can be validated individually or in their totality to obtain a diploma or a community manager certification:
Title block 1: design a communication project on social media
Entitled block 2: implementing a communication project on social media
The evaluation is thus done in blocks, each instilling a specific concept.
What are the benefits of skill blocks?
Flexible training, adapted to the world of work
Without undergoing a full course of training, an employee can validate independent blocks and certify the skills acquired in a field by going step by step. One of the main advantages of skill blocks is thus their flexibility. You can move forward at your own pace, fill your gaps, focus on your interests, adapt to your personal constraints, continue your work, etc. similar to a work-study system. It is a way of certifying one's skills in a particular field without necessarily aiming for a global degree. Employees can thus take their time before becoming graduates.
Eligible for the CPF
On the financial side, if the skill blocks are part of a certification eligible for the CPF, you can use your rights. The essential condition is that they must be registered with the RNCP. Depending on your situation, other financial aid exists (Pôle Emploi, Region...). Get in touch with a training advisor to find out more and choose professional organizations.
A rigorous framework
For companies that want to professionalize their teams on a particular skill, The competency block is a way to ensure that vocational training will be validated against a solid frame of reference and will lead to a recognized certification, valuable in the world of work.
Practical learning
Skill blocks emphasize practical learning rather than the acquisition of theoretical knowledge. This form of learning allows results to be obtained quickly by using the skills learned immediately.
Skill blocks are a powerful system for facilitate lifelong learning and promote employability in a constantly changing world of work. Their flexible, personalized and progressive approach allows employees to develop specific skills according to their needs and objectives, one block at a time, without necessarily going through the “long training” box.
