An (global) eCF is needed to compare skills
I am assuming not everybody is familiar yet with the eCF initiative. So, just in case please have a look at http://www.ictprof.eu/ of DG ENTR.
As mentioned on the website: "the development of a European framework for ICT professionalism, which is ultimately aimed at fostering the competences and the mobility of ICT practitioners"
I have heard CIOs complain about the lack of such a framework as they find it often difficult to compare eSkills around Europe. I.e. a eCF is much needed.
In developing a framework, would also be good to look at other international examples e.g.: IFIP IP3, a global accreditation and certification program where mapping work has been done between competency frameworks http://www.ipthree.org/. So, I argue for a global eCF so we can both import and export eSkills on a global level.
FYI the IFIP will organize the WCC2012 conference (http://www.wcc-2012.org/) in Amsterdam in September this year. A good opportunity to discuss with a global expert group.
Group audience:
Comments
Accreditation and
Accreditation and certification indeed important in many markets, including the skills market. Then what matters is trust in the certification system in place, which is a function of it's efficiency (how accurately it reflects real competences) and enforceability (no cheating in what's certified, which may be difficult to achieve with self-certification). I know there are some tests for some professions, namely in ict, that fulfil those criteria so they're trusted by recruiting companies.
Dynamic Professional Skills
Dynamic Professional Skills
Thank you Frits for the very relevant and useful information.
Miguel touched the heart of the issue when he mentioned trust and reliability of the whole training - certification - accreditation cycle.
One relevant challenge in the definition & development of an ICT skills framework is the incorporation the dimension of technology advancement over time in the skills profiles so as to reflect accurately the state of the market requirements.
In other words, just like websites, professional skills profiles should be dynamic rather than static.
Dear Sylianos, fully agree.
Dear Sylianos, fully agree. Not at all arguing to go for a static framework. Especially one which only looks back in time. Any framework should look ahead and should cover the relevant skills. We have to avoid the current situation of not having an eCF at all. So, is a balancing act between old/new - general/specific skills which need to be mapped.