| Many industries
have well defined skill standards. A skill standard specifies the knowledge and
competencies required to perform successfully in the workplace. Standards are being
developed along a skill continuum ranging from (1) general work readiness skills, and (2)
core skills or knowledge for an industry, to (3) skills common to an occupational cluster,
and (4) specific occupational skills. Standards may cover basic and advanced academic
competencies, employability competencies, and technical competencies. Development of these
standards is tied to efforts to certify students’ and worker skills. The federal government has identified 16 economic sectors with some level
of skill standards:
| Agriculture and Natural Resources |
Mining and Extraction |
| Manufacturing, Installation and Repairs |
Construction |
| Energy and Utilities |
Transportation |
| Communications |
Wholesale and Retail |
| Hospitality and Tourism |
Financial Services |
| Health and Social Services |
Education and Training |
| Public Administration, Legal, and Protective
Services |
Business and Administration |
| Property Management and Building Maintenance |
Research, Development, and Technical
Services |
For more information on industrial standards, visit the
web sites of the National Skill Standards Board
and the Washington Skill Standards. |
Washoe
Co. K-16 Council
