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Foundation Skills
In the Work Keys system, jobs or occupations are analyzed across 8 foundation skills, or basic skills: Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, Listening, Writing, Teamwork, Applied Technology, Locating Information, and Observation.
These skill areas align with the nationally recognized workplace foundation skills known as the SCANS Skills (developed by the Secretary of Labor's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills).
Job Analysis
The Work Keys analysis uses a focus-group model involving the participation of incumbent workers who actually do the job being profiled, and determines the skills, and quantifies the skill levels required for successful performance on a particular job, or within a particular occupation group.
The job analysis process takes from one to two days depending upon how many of the core competencies are being addressed.
Assessment
Incumbent workers, job seekers, or trainees can be assessed to determine their skill levels as compared with the levels revealed in the job analysis.
When skill gaps are identified, training can focus on specific skill areas needing improvement.
Training Curriculum
Once a job is analyzed, the data is provided to curriculum and training developers who can integrate the skills information into existing curriculum, or modify it to focus training on helping learners develop the skills necessary for job performance.
Work Keys provides a curriculum development tool for this process called Targets for Instruction.
Workforce Development
Work Keys is fast becoming an important workforce development tool that communicates workplace skill requirements using a common language understood by industry and education alike.
Work Keys gives employers and industry sectors a way to develop their future and current workforce by identifying and hiring qualified applicants, evaluating the preparedness of incumbent workers to move up the career ladder, and determining student ability to participate in internships and work-based learning activities. The system also provides individuals the means to document and certify their workplace skills.
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