Connected Competence Proves What Employers Want To Know

Do you ever get fed up with having to build a competence profile over and over again for multiple employers? You’ve been trained in your industry discipline for years now – yet, each time you change jobs, you’re asked to provide current proof of your skills.

While it’s natural that prospective employers want proof of your skills in terms of both work and safety, it’s not always easy to do this. You have to dig out the information, which could be paper certificates, depending on when you trained. 

You might also have to ask your employer for proof of any training they’ve put you through – and, even if successful, it can be a time-consuming task. And does it actually prove your competence?

Wouldn’t it be easier if you had complete ownership of your competence achievements, against an industry-recognised standard, and could prove them with just a few clicks online? This is exactly what Connected Competence provides.

But I don’t like taking tests… what if I fail them?

It’s unlikely that you will. These are skills you use day in, day out. The aim of Connected Competence isn’t to extend your knowledge, rather to demonstrate that you are up to date with today’s industry practice. After all, times change and the industry does too. Employers want proof that you are current with today’s base standards of technical competence – not those from when you first qualified. Connected Competence provides this proof quickly and easily. 

If for any reason you are referred and need to resit the test, you’ll be given guidance on the specific areas you need to refresh your skills in. And, once you’re done, you don’t have to worry about proving your skills again for the next 3–4 years, depending on your discipline. Then you’ll sit the same tests again, to ensure your base competency is still current.

How much easier will it be to prove my skills to prospective employers?

So much easier! You’ll be issued with digital badges, which you and employers can access via our partner platform, Credly. You can find out more on our digital badges page, but here’s a quick round-up of the different badges you can get:

• Technical test badge – there are several technical tests, depending on your trade and industry, and you’ll get a badge for each separate one you pass.

• Trade award badge – this is awarded if you complete all the technical tests for your discipline, and it really makes you stand out to employers.

Is this something I HAVE to do?

Well, the answer is quickly becoming ‘yes’… especially for workers who wish to work with the big players in the industry. From 1st April 2022, Connected Competence will be mandatory for transient workers in site-based craft and technician trades to mobilise with member companies. These include Aker Solutions, Bilfinger, Ponticelli, Semco Maritime, Stork, Wood, and Worley.

We understand that the thought of proving what you already know is a bit of a drag. However, by gaining Connected Competence, you’ll finally have ownership of your skills, meaning you’ll be more in control and be able to provide the proof employers want in just a few clicks.

Your Connected Competence costs covered

As Connected Competence is enabled by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), industry funding to complete the tests has been made available until 31st March 2022, via a voucher scheme. To find out how you can access this funding, please click here: https://connectedcompetence.co.uk/temporaryworkers/.

So, don’t miss out on the funding and book your tests now! If you want to know more, have a read of the suggested blogs below…