Developing generic workplace attributes through technology education courses in high schools

Traditionally listed under work ethic attributes, employability skills and traits have come to the forefront over the last decade as basics for entry into the workplace and as an asset for those who continue into post-secondary education. Without them, obtaining and retaining employment following schooling is a challenge for youth, especially with respect to the non-technical skills. Extensive research has helped to identify the appropriate work attributes, and although they may continue to be refined over time, the challenge presented to the educational system is how to best teach or develop them, particularly within a high school setting when most students are completing their basic education programmes. Following a brief discussion of the nature and extent of these employability attributes, the intent of this paper is to demonstrate that technology education programmes present an excellent opportunity in terms of delivery. A number of optional approaches are outlined within this subject area, together with examples and perspectives from current research on how to assess the attainment of such attributes.