A Delphi Study of Entry-Level Workplace TSkills, Competencies, and Proof-of-Achievement Products

This study was designed to determine the specific skills and competencies that employers require in entry-level employees and to identify specific student-produced performance products that applicants can use to signal proficiency in the respective skills and competencies. A three-round modified Delphi technique of inquiry was used to survey a panel of 24 hiring managers, human resource specialists, small business owners, and cooperative occupational education specialists. Findings include a ranking of skills and competencies and a list of performance products acceptable as proof of proficiency for each skill or competency. Recommendations include studying methods by which high school graduates can present traditional performance product data in a single coherent instrument and to further define the characteristics of the nontraditional performance products to better tailor the curriculum and instruction of high schools.