Swiss Apprentices' Economic Competence: An Empirical Examination of a Theoretical Competence Structure Model

• In Event: The Global Impact of Career and Vocational Education Training in the Workplace

Abstract

Holtsch and Eberle (2016) proposed a model of economic competence tailored to Swiss commercial VET. This study examined if the structure of the knowledge and skills component of this model could be confirmed using data gathered among a representative sample of Swiss commercial apprentices. Two models were contrasted: The model that reflected the theoretical assumptions encompassed two higher-order constructs (i.e., commercial vs. economic-civic competence) that were both subdivided into a domain-linked and a domain-specific facet, for a total of four facets at the bottom level. The alternative model assumed one higher-order competence construct (i.e., knowledge and skills) that encompassed all four facets. Results supported the two-dimensional model, thus yielding evidence in favor of the distinction between commercial and economic-civic competence.

Authors

• Fabio Sticca, University of Zurich

• Doreen Holtsch, University of Zurich

• Silja Rohr

• Franz Eberle, University of Zurich

• Eva Wenger, University of Zurich