University and industry: partners in skill development

The authors discuss a partnership in which industry has helped define the conceptual framework in a university program for professional and technical writing. They also report on a preliminary study of the notion of competence in technical writing in industry and in an academic program. The key to testing for potential in technical writers seems to lie in global exercises that require the integration of information. Grammar and writing tests may only indicate current levels of knowledge and not potential for improvement. This is particularly true when a candidate is being judged on the form of the document, as well as on the content. A training program for technical communication needs to develop exercises which teach knowledge transformation, as well as the application of models and standards. The university is seen as providing the expertise in curriculum design, in research, and in the methodology to support skill development. Industry, working as a full partner, provides the notion of skill and expertise