Ready, Set, and Go for Validation!

Abstract

To get all the positive outcomes of validation such as democracy in action, the most crucial thing is to really get started in practice in a broad perspective with carrying out validation at the production level in organizations and companies. Although top management has made [decisions embracing validation, the impact in practice might be very limited or none. Obviously, additional support on the hands-on level is needed. That has become very clear when following up on the implementation of the validation model that Sobona (the Swedish employer´s organization for municipal enterprises) has been developing since 2016. The Sobona validation model covers nearly 40 different professional roles in seven different industrial sectors. The model has been developed according to “the Swedish Model” which builds on a close collaboration between the employer’s organization and the unions representing the employees. The validation model has been strongly called for and it has been approved on national level, but still the implementation is lagging.

As a result of these experiences, during 2023 –2024, Sobona launched a 3-step model: Ready-Set and Go. Ready: a committed and anchored decision by top management on the strategic level (Sobona, n.d.).  Set: a concrete and practical action plan for validation in accordance with actual circumstances, needs, level of ambitions and capacities at the production level. Sufficient resources and mandates are given. Management, staff and union representatives are engaged and involved.  Go!: carrying out validation according to plan, using in practice an approved validation methodology and quality assurance; learning by doing; evaluating and going forward step by step; and building capacity and strength in the organization by developing the skills of the employees in a way that is beneficial for individuals as well as for the whole organization.

Keywords: validation, workforce development, vocational training, skills assessment