Competences for Employment: Training and the Labour Market

AbstractEmployment and its vocational dimension are key elements for the identity of 21st century citizens. At the same time, unemployment is a major problem requiring a study of the variables that contribute to improving conditions for finding a job. Collaboration between training and the labour market improves employability as it promotes two of its main dimensions: the skills and competences that make a person potentially employable and the motivation needed to seek work. Therefore, it is important to analyse the connection between both and to identify the skills that promote employability. In this study, 38 technicians and experts on employment were interviewed to ascertain their perceptions about the fit of training and employment in the province of Bizkaia, and the competences and attributes most valued in the labour market. Experts consider it necessary to update the curriculum and to incorporate more practical methodologies linked to reality. Attitudes and values such as effort, responsibility, personal initiative, and motivation are considered to determine employment. In addition to language proficiency and computer skills, other skills, relational (teamwork, empathy, negotiation), organizational (innovation, flexibility, time management) and personal (motivation, creativity) are required