The QA Commons is mindful of the dramatic and transformational impact COVID-19 is having on all institutions of higher education. As an organization, we are adapting our services to support preparing graduates for the workplace that is now changing more precipitously than ever.
QA Commons provides concise and adaptable definitions of each of the EEQs, recognizing that they are both consistent in purpose and flexible in application across different industries and job roles.
In addition to development of Essential Employability Qualities, four additional Standards of Care—Integrated Career Support Services, Employer Engagement, Student and Alumni Engagement, and Transparency of Outcomes—complement the EEQs by ensuring students not only develop key skills but also receive career guidance, gain industry connections, and access transparent program outcomes. Together, these standards create a holistic framework that prepares learners for career success and adaptability in a changing workforce.
QA Commons’ comprehensive and integrated Essential Employability Qualities Certification (EEQ CERT) framework is used to evaluate academic and training programs to ensure they equip learners with the skills and understanding needed for career success. This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 and is available for use; however, use does not confer certification.
This 2020 study by Hill et al. provides important grounding for QA Commons’ approach to employability skills badging. It highlights how making transferable skills explicit helps students recognize the capabilities they are already developing through their coursework and experiences. By naming and validating these skills through badging (via Credly), QA Commons aims to surface the often “hidden rules of the workplace,” helping students better understand employer expectations and translate their learning into career-relevant language.
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