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Building Blocks Model

Building Blocks Model

To ensure that the Building Blocks model reflects the foundational knowledge and skills needed by today's workforce, ETA conducted a review of the 22 industry models in the Clearinghouse and analyzed the various changes our industry partners have made to Tiers 1-3 over time. Based on this review, the Building Blocks model was updated in 2014 to ensure those competencies accurately reflect the workforce needs of industry. As part of this update, ETA also reviewed other competency frameworks, including the Department of Education's Employability Skills Framework and the National Network of Business and Industry Associations' Common Employability Skills to meet the industry's needs.

The updated model features new information on Sustainable Practices and Health and Safety. It also includes a revised Basic Computer Skills competency block and updated key behaviors in many competency areas, as well as changes designed to promote equitable access to jobs for all jobseekers.

In 2017, the model was revised again to incorporate foundational workplace health and safety skills from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) Safe • Skilled • Ready Workforce Program designed to help protect America's workforce and create safe, healthy, and productive workplaces. The updated CMC competencies were reviewed and validated by subject matter experts from NIOSH and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

With rapid changes in technology in the workplace, the Basic Computer Skills competency block was further revised and expanded in 2024 to reflect the importance of digital skills in the workplace – and the scope of digital skills workers need – have continued to grow. The updated skills were based on ETA’s gap analysis comparing the Building Blocks Model and a comparison group of digital skills frameworks. For a more detailed description of the changes, download the Summary of Changes.

The industry model frameworks are based on the Building Blocks competency model and then modified to meet industry needs. Scroll down to view the Building Blocks, or select an industry model from the left menu.

Download the industry model and worksheets in several formats    It is an image of png format for download button

Generic Building Blocks Competency Model

Generic Building Blocks Pyramid


<strong>1.1 Interpersonal Skills</strong> Displaying the skills to work effectively with others from diverse backgrounds. <strong>1.2 Integrity</strong> Displaying strong moral principles and work ethic. <strong>1.3 Professionalism</strong> Maintaining a professional presence. <strong>1.4 Initiative</strong> Demonstrating a commitment to effective job performance by taking action on one’s own and following through to get the job done. <strong>1.5 Dependability and Reliability</strong> Displaying responsible behaviors at work. <strong>1.6 Adaptability and Flexibility</strong> Displaying the capability to adapt to new, different or changing requirements. <strong>1.7 Lifelong Learning</strong> Demonstrating a commitment to self-development and improvement of knowledge and skills. <strong>2.1 Reading</strong> Understanding written sentences, paragraphs, and figures in work-related documents on paper, on computers, or adaptive devices. <strong>2.2 Writing</strong> Using standard business English to compile information and prepare written documents on paper, on computers, or adaptive devices. <strong>2.3 Mathematics</strong> Using mathematics to solve problems. <strong>2.4 Science and Technology</strong> Using scientific rules and methods to express ideas and solve problems on paper, on computers, or on adaptive devices. <strong>2.5 Communication</strong> Listening, speaking, and signaling so others can understand using a variety of methods, including hearing, speech, American Sign Language, instant messaging, text-to-speech devices, etc. <strong>2.6 Critical and Analytical Thinking</strong> Using logical thought processes to analyze information and draw conclusions. <strong>2.7 Basic Computer Skills</strong> Using information technology and related applications, including adaptive devices and software, to convey and retrieve information. <strong>3.1 Teamwork</strong> Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments. <strong>3.2 Customer Focus</strong> Efficiently and effectively addressing the needs of clients/customers. <strong>3.3 Planning and Organizing</strong> Planning and prioritizing work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks. <strong>3.4 Creative Thinking</strong> Generating innovative and creative solutions. <strong>3.5 Problem Solving and Decision-Making</strong> Generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions to problems. <strong>3.6 Working with Tools and Technology</strong> Selecting, using, and maintaining tools and technology, including adaptive tools and technology, to facilitate work activity (with accommodation when necessary). <strong>3.7 Scheduling and Coordinating</strong> Making arrangements that fulfill all requirements as efficiently and economically as possible. <strong>3.8 Checking, Examining, and Recording</strong> Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/digital format, including adaptive devices and software. <strong>3.9 Business Fundamentals</strong> Using information on basic business principles, trends, and economics. <strong>3.10 Sustainable Practices</strong> Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. <strong>3.11 Health and Safety</strong> Supporting a safe and healthy workplace. <strong>Staffing</strong> <strong>Informing</strong> <strong>Delegating</strong> <strong>Networking</strong> <strong>Monitoring Work</strong> <strong>Entrepreneurship</strong> <strong>Supporting Others</strong> <strong>Motivating and Inspiring</strong> <strong>Developing and Mentoring</strong> <strong>Strategic Planning/Action</strong> <strong>Preparing and Evaluating Budgets</strong> <strong>Clarifying Roles and Objectives</strong> <strong>Managing Conflict and Team Building</strong> <strong>Developing an Organizational Vision</strong> <strong>Monitoring and Controlling Resources</strong> Click here to search for O*NET Occupational Competencies Profiles