This interesting update came our way via WorkforceOne and the US DOL. The draft Geospatial Technology Competency Model has been developed by researching and analyzing publicly available resources. The intent is to develop a dynamic framework of foundational and technical competencies for entry-level workers. The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) competency model initiative is intended to identify core competencies – academic, workplace, and technical – that every worker in a selected industry needs to know and be able to do. Through this initiative, ETA is supporting the development of a model in geospatial technology and has put the following steps in place to validate this model:
1. In 2009, ETA developed a draft geospatial technology competency model by researching and analyzing publicly available resources, existing skill standards, competency-based curricula, and certifications to develop a dynamic framework of foundational and technical competencies for entry-level workers.
2. ETA conducted a Webinar on February 3, 2010, to introduce the draft geospatial technology model to ensure that the competencies meet the skill needs of the industries they are intended to serve.
3. Working closely with the GeoTech Center – a government, academic, and industry partnership funded, in part, by a grant from the National Science Foundation – a workshop was conducted on March 11-12, 2010, to review and modify the draft competency model.
4. A revised version of the model based on feedback from the March workshop – as well as the recording, presentation, and transcripts of the introductory Webinar – are available now at: http://www.workforce3one.org/view/5001001347919999153/info
5. In May 2010, comments on the revised competency model will be aggregated and edits will be made to produce a final competency model.
6. A finished document will be published at the Competency Model Clearinghouse located at: http://www.careeronestop.org/competencymodel/