Mapping Transversal Competences for Vocational Education Learners in Response to Transformations in the World of Work: A Scoping Review

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Title: Mapping Transversal Competences for Vocational Education Learners in Response to Transformations in the World of Work: A Scoping Review
Language: English
Authors: Alexandra Lecours (ORCID 0000-0002-4485-7829), Sarra Laribi (ORCID 0009-0002-8486-8108), Mélissa Laliberté, Gbètogo Maxime Kiki (ORCID 0000-0002-4368-1817)
Source: Education & Training. 2026 68(3):323-340.
Availability: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Descriptors: Career and Technical Education, Lifelong Learning, Transfer of Training, Employment Potential, Labor Market, Competence, Program Design, Diversity Equity and Inclusion
DOI: 10.1108/ET-08-2025-0678
ISSN: 0040-0912
1758-6127
Abstract: Purpose: This study aims to develop a shared theoretical foundation for a harmonized taxonomy of transversal competences between technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and the labour market. Design/methodology/approach: A scoping review was conducted to examine the literature published on competences in education and employment. Twenty-nine documents, including scientific articles and governmental reports, were systematically analyzed. The process was supported by consultations with an expert committee to ensure relevance and applicability. Findings: The review led to a common operational definition of competence as the integrated mobilization of personal and environmental resources to achieve effective and context-appropriate action. Competence is characterized as observable, reproducible, developmental and situated within specific environments. Building on this definition, taxonomy of transversal competences was synthesized, structured into three categories: intrapersonal competences (cognitive, communication, information and technology-related and self-management), interpersonal competences (affective, behavioural and self and others' development) and organizational and societal competences (organizational, societal and sustainability-related). This taxonomy offers a coherent framework to strengthen employability, adaptability and lifelong learning while promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and sustainable practices in TVET and the labour market. Practical implications: The taxonomy equips educators and employers with a flexible tool to design inclusive training programs, support diverse learners and anticipate future workforce needs. Originality/value: This study responds to the growing need for a shared language between training and employment, offering both theoretical clarity and practical guidance for curriculum design, assessment and policy development.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506104
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Mapping Transversal Competences for Vocational Education Learners in Response to Transformations in the World of Work: A Scoping Review
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Alexandra+Lecours%22">Alexandra Lecours</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4485-7829">0000-0002-4485-7829</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sarra+Laribi%22">Sarra Laribi</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8486-8108">0009-0002-8486-8108</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Mélissa+Laliberté%22">Mélissa Laliberté</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Gbètogo+Maxime+Kiki%22">Gbètogo Maxime Kiki</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4368-1817">0000-0002-4368-1817</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Education+%26+Training%22"><i>Education & Training</i></searchLink>. 2026 68(3):323-340.
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  Data: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
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  Data: 18
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Information Analyses
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Career+and+Technical+Education%22">Career and Technical Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Lifelong+Learning%22">Lifelong Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Transfer+of+Training%22">Transfer of Training</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Employment+Potential%22">Employment Potential</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Labor+Market%22">Labor Market</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Competence%22">Competence</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Program+Design%22">Program Design</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Diversity+Equity+and+Inclusion%22">Diversity Equity and Inclusion</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1108/ET-08-2025-0678
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  Data: 0040-0912<br />1758-6127
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Purpose: This study aims to develop a shared theoretical foundation for a harmonized taxonomy of transversal competences between technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and the labour market. Design/methodology/approach: A scoping review was conducted to examine the literature published on competences in education and employment. Twenty-nine documents, including scientific articles and governmental reports, were systematically analyzed. The process was supported by consultations with an expert committee to ensure relevance and applicability. Findings: The review led to a common operational definition of competence as the integrated mobilization of personal and environmental resources to achieve effective and context-appropriate action. Competence is characterized as observable, reproducible, developmental and situated within specific environments. Building on this definition, taxonomy of transversal competences was synthesized, structured into three categories: intrapersonal competences (cognitive, communication, information and technology-related and self-management), interpersonal competences (affective, behavioural and self and others' development) and organizational and societal competences (organizational, societal and sustainability-related). This taxonomy offers a coherent framework to strengthen employability, adaptability and lifelong learning while promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and sustainable practices in TVET and the labour market. Practical implications: The taxonomy equips educators and employers with a flexible tool to design inclusive training programs, support diverse learners and anticipate future workforce needs. Originality/value: This study responds to the growing need for a shared language between training and employment, offering both theoretical clarity and practical guidance for curriculum design, assessment and policy development.
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    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Career and Technical Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Lifelong Learning
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      – SubjectFull: Transfer of Training
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      – SubjectFull: Employment Potential
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      – SubjectFull: Labor Market
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      – SubjectFull: Competence
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      – SubjectFull: Program Design
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      – SubjectFull: Diversity Equity and Inclusion
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      – TitleFull: Mapping Transversal Competences for Vocational Education Learners in Response to Transformations in the World of Work: A Scoping Review
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