Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Research in Human Resource Management
Year: 2024
DOI:
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The Labour Market, Employability and Transversal Competencies
Novak Simin, Petar Vrgović
ABSTRACT:
The article discusses the impact of changes in work processes on the labour market, emphasising the need for individuals, especially engineering professionals, to possess transversal competencies along with technical skills. Key requests from the labour market regarding these transversal competencies are shown, analysing what has prompted employers to put them in such high esteem. Looking into the perspective of various synonymous definitions of the term, such as 21st-century skills, soft skills, non-technical skills, and professional skills, the concept is closer defined and the appeal of these competencies to the labour market is shown. The article underscores the importance of soft skills, including communication, adaptability, and problem-solving, in enhancing employability, also referencing one additional synonym of the term employability skills. Employability, defined as the perceived ability to acquire sustainable employment, is shown to be a rather sought-after characteristic of job-seekers, one that not only contributes to their success, but to the success of companies as well. Further on, the article discusses the importance of these competencies for the employability of individuals. The article’s conclusion asserts the integral connection between employability and transversal competencies, highlighting their role in professional success, collaboration, and adaptability in today’s competitive labour market.
Keywords: Transversal competencies; soft skills; employability skills; labour market demands