February 2009
New model measures automation profession
If you want to know what an automation professional actually does, now there is a formal U.S. federal document that defines the skills and competencies those in the automation field need.
The Automation Federation worked with industry experts and representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor to develop the automation competency model over the course of several meetings, including working sessions in Research Triangle Park, N.C., and Houston.
A competency model is a clear description of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform well in an occupation. Research and industry validation are behind the development of competency models.
The model consists of nine tiers, including competencies in personal effectiveness, academic, workplace, industry-wide, automation technical, occupation-specific technical, occupation-specific requirements, and management. The model is consistent with the key competencies within the ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) program.
While its initial intent is to help those interested prepare for job opportunities in the automation profession, the model will also help academic institutions updating curricula to better prepare the technology workforce of the future. Most importantly, it will provide a common language for the dialogue between the educators and executives who are working together to rebuild the workforce pipeline.
The Federation presented a web seminar in December to introduce the Model to the workforce investment board system, educators, and employers through Workforce3 One, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (ETA). Workforce3 One is an interactive communications and learning platform to help build the capacity of the workforce investment system and develop strategies that help workers succeed in the 21st century economy. This platform allows strategic partners and grantees to identify online the workforce and industry needs and answers to fill those needs. Workforce3 One allows the workforce system, educators, business and industry, and others to share their innovative approaches, products, and tools, and provides a vehicle for ETA to share information and products developed at the national level. The Automation Federation web seminar will be available on the Workforce3 One portal for thousands of professionals to access daily.
Federation Chair Steve Huffman said the next step is for automation professionals, companies, and other organizations to join the Automation Federation’s efforts and “help to spread this model throughout the United States.” The Automation Federation will be working closely with similar organizations overseas, he said, “to help define our profession around the globe in the coming years.”
View the final Automation Competency Model at www.isa.org/link/AF_comp.
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