The Common Transversal Competence Framework

Substantial experience in the field of transversal competences acquired through two Erasmus+ projects (RECTEC, 2016-2019; RECTEC+, 2019-2021)[1] shaped the starting point and paved the way for the work on a Common Transversal Competence Framework. The two projects developed a common repository of cross-curricular competencies, with descriptors covering levels 1- 8, thus aligned with the EQF. The aim of RECTEC and RECTEC+ was to promote employability by identifying transversal skills and matching them with professional certifications.

The frameworks designed as part of RECTEC and RECTEC+ were further adapted within Transval-EU in a workshop series that took place over Summer 2021 to encompass a broader range of contexts, needs, interests and orientations, ranging from empowerment to employability. The three clusters, covering organizing activities, reflexive skills and language skills were analyzed and adapted to the scope of Transval-EU, while other skills were added.

In terms of participation, representatives on behalf of partners involved in the field trials took part in the workshops, while voluntary participation of all the interested partners was seen as an added value, considering the usefulness, the applicability, the need and the relevance of such a framework in the national/regional contexts. The exchanges during the workshop series fostered a common understanding of the needs and requirements of the Common Transversal Competence Framework: both broadness and specificity as to be used as a basis for the field trials in all the involved countries. The work on the State-of-the-art report and the collection of best practices that preceded the workshop series on the Common Transversal Skills Framework provided enough elements as to prepare the ground for rich exchanges on transversal skills. Furthermore, ESCO, EntreComp, DigiComp and the Career Skills Management Framework were just a few of the frameworks that fuelled the exchanges on the Common Transversal Competence Framework that encompasses the following competences:

  1. managing and organising activities
  2. solving problems and reacting to the unforeseen 
  3. cooperating and fostering cooperation
  4. resource management 
  5. using oral communication in one or several languages
  6. taking professional, social and cultural norms into account 
  7. communicating using digital technologies
  8. critical thinking 
  9. building one’s career path 
  10. developing one’s competences and profile
  11. self-reflection

As the framework is deemed general, it will be adapted to each specific context of the field trials. Therefore, some common competences will be selected by partners in order to compare the field trials transnationally, while other competences will be selected by each partner taking part in the field trials, based on the practitioners’ specific needs.

 

[1] http://rectec.ac-versailles.fr/le-projet-rectec/, retrieved January 20, 2022.