Overview
This article explains competency tagging within the context of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and how it benefits various stakeholders.
What is a Competency and Why does it matter?
A competency is a measurable pattern of skills, knowledge, abilities, behaviors, and other characteristics that an apprentice needs to demonstrate to successfully perform their work role. Within the RAP Standards created by the sponsor, for competency-based programs, apprentices are expected to show proficiency in the competencies listed. It is important to track their competency attainment or measurable-skills gained as this is one of the many factors that needs to be reported to local workforce boards (LWBs) for apprenticeship funding.
Why does this matter?
Local Workforce Development Boards (LWBs) receive federal funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to support workforce development programs, including registered apprenticeships. Strong data on apprentice success (like completing the program and mastering competencies) allows LWBs to justify continued funding for successful apprenticeship programs and potentially secure additional funding to expand them. This funding can translate into scholarships, awards, and other financial help for apprentices.
Competency Tagging
This is where the concept of competency tagging comes in! Competency tagging is the process of associating specific skills and knowledge (competencies) with learning activities within a RAP. This creates a clear connection between what learners are doing and the competencies they are aiming to achieve.
How to create a competency tag in Craft Connect
Creating a RAP and Competency Tags - Interactive Demo
Best Practices for Competency Tagging
We recommend follow one of the following approaches:
Democratized Competency Tagging: This approach allows EPs to leverage existing curriculum or training programs for RAP competency tracking, reducing workload for learners and Education Providers.
- Example: Craft University avoids creating a duplicate program by utilizing their existing job-embedded activities, tagged with relevant RAP competencies, to track learner progress. This eliminates the need for students to submit the same work twice.
Scaffolded Proficiency Tracking: This approach enables tracking progress through multiple activities that contribute to a single competency.
- Craft School District, the sponsor of a Registered Apprenticeship program, uses this approach for their four-year RAP with "On Ramps" (entry points) divided into separate programs. Each year builds towards the final, mandatory 4th On Ramp, allowing them to track progress throughout the program.
Culminating Activity Tracking: This method involves tagging a single activity to demonstrate competency mastery.
- Craft University's Graduate program tracks Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) through a final exam, tagged with the relevant competency.
FAQ
Who is responsible for creating competencies?
Sponsor Admins are responsible for creating the core competencies outlined in the RAP Standards document (Appendix A).
Who has the ability to tag competencies?
Both Sponsor Admins and EP Admins have the ability to tag competencies within their programs.
Who can view tagged competencies?
Currently, all users can view tagged competencies.
Why is competency tagging valuable?
- Enhanced Communication: It facilitates clear communication of RAP competencies to all stakeholders, including learners, Education Providers (EPs), and Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs). Everyone involved understands the learning objectives and their alignment with activities.
- Streamlined Reporting: By tagging activities with competencies, you can generate reports that demonstrate how these activities contribute to learner development in specific skill areas. This data is invaluable for LWDB reporting requirements.
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