Norec improves how skills are measured in work exchanges by introducing a new before-and-after assessment. This makes results clearer and helps young professionals recognise their skills.

Young professionals who take part in a Norec exchange gain a wide range of competences and values. These are crucial for the success of the projects, they strengthen the organisations involved, and they are highly valuable for the participants in their careers.

Developing such skills also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

What is new

Until now, Norec has measured skills development mainly through general surveys. Through the improved way Norec measures skills, the young professionals will carry out a self-assessment when they start the exchange — and repeat it when they complete it.

This allows us to measure the effect of the exchange at the individual level, and to demonstrate results in a more precise and systematic way.

How we tested it

In August, Norec piloted the new workshop during preparatory training in Nairobi. Using the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Skills Taxonomy, the young professionals reflected on which skills they already possess.

“Many young people are not aware of all the skills they have, or that these skills are in demand in the labour market. We want the young professionals to become conscious of what they are capable of,” says Patience Sharukai, Senior Training Adviser at Norec.

“By using the World Economic Forum’s taxonomy, the young professionals are presented with a kind of skills ‘menu’. This allows them to identify abilities they did not know they had,” she continues.

The young professionals also worked with the results frameworks of their projects, reflecting on how their skills could contribute during the exchange.

What we want to achieve

For young professionals, the new approach means greater awareness of the skills they develop, and the ability to present these in their future careers.

For Norec, it means more accurate documentation and reporting of the outcomes of our projects.