Conceptions of Vocational Education - Essay Example

The competency test is aimed to measure job success, which cognitive tests failed to do. In this sense, competency tests were seen as an alternative to traditional cognitive tests (Delmare and Winterton 2005). On the other hand, Barnett and Depinet (1991) argued that cognitive tests are capable of predicting job success. They cited the work of Hunter (1986) which claimed that cognitive tests do predict job success. Nonetheless, what is necessary for this discourse is the supposition that competency tests were developed to measure the fit between the person and the job success (McClelland 1994).

10 Functional Approach. The functional approach is competent –based approach, and it follows the United Kingdom tradition (Delamare Le Deist and Winterton 2005). This approach is based on the consultation among employees, employers, trade unions, scholars, academicians, regulating, and professional bodies to develop an occupational standard across a particular occupational group (Rolls 1997). There is a lead organization that the government organizes that serves as the steering committee.

13 Holistic and Multi-Dimensional/Integrated Approach (H-MD/I approach). This approach tackles the issues and concerns of competence not only from the perspective of the individual, organization, action, and job function, but it also deals with the influence of external factors on the understanding of competence (Hager 2013; Gonzci 2013). This approach develops in three countries in Europe, namely, Spain, Germany, and Austria. It is significant to note that this approach develops in Europe with minimal influence from McClelland (Delamare Le Deist and Winterton 2005).

On the other hand, Hager and Gonzci in Australia develop the holistic and multidimensional approach, which is also called an integrated approach. Hager and Gonzci's works are a hallmark in the field and their contributions have transformed the landscape of vocational education and training.