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SKILLS

Definition

“The ability to apply knowledge, know-how and behaviour in a professional situation, in order to solve problems of varying degrees of complexity encountered in the workplace, and to carry out the activities involved in a particular occupation.”

“The knowledge and know-how possessed by each of Europe’s citizens represent significant assets in terms of the competitiveness, creativity and productivity of Europe’s economy. It is therefore crucial to invest in developing their skills.”

(Social Agenda, the European Commission’s magazine on employment and social affairs) 

Note:
The link between skills and employability in the sugar industry is strongly marked by one specific characteristic: that of the dual occupation held by production staff. Employees are recruited for their skills linked to a trade required outside of the sugar crop year (e.g. boilermaker, electrical fitter, etc.) but they may be assigned to another trade during the crop year (e.g. process operation).

Regardless of this first aspect, we would like to look at skills from three separate angles:

> Actual Skills
> Skills that look likely to develop
> Skills common to different trades or economic sectors