Development planning relies on two very important tools. The first is mandated within the state system, but is often a poorly used or misused procedure. This is the performance evaluation or appraisal. Performance evaluations are key to employer identification of training needs and opportunities. They also provide specific employees with goals for their development activities.
Skill assessments are the second set of tools needed for quality development planning.
Skill assessment includes both individual and organizational assessment of needs and capabilities. Becoming familiar with this process is a development activity in itself and is an important component to reskilling the workforce. This should be a mandatory component to all strategic planning, project initiatives, and staff allocation planning efforts. Whenever possible we need to begin training our employees now for the skills they will need in the future. Rapid changes within work process and the marketplace make it essential for employers to focus on core competencies as a means of hiring and retaining employees.