From DACUM to Job Book: Providing a Competency-Based Training Curriculum for your Organization

DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) is a quick yet highly valid job task analysis technique. The DACUM process is used to identify the tasks performed in an occupation and help organizations and colleges develop new programs of study and curriculum for those programs with the goal of future employment for their students. In addition to curriculum development, a DACUM profile can lead to the development of a Job Book. A Job Book serves as a sort of “competency-based training curriculum,” by identifying the specific knowledge, skills, attitudes, and tools required by workers in order to correctly perform their tasks while on the job. 

What is the framework of a “Job Book” that is based on a DACUM job profile? A Job Book takes the breakdown of job tasks along with related skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to be qualified for a specific job and organizes it into a progression of learning for an employee. In the State of WI at the Bureau of Apprenticeship standards, Job Books are used in apprenticeship programs as a way for job tasks and sub tasks to be broken down between “on the job training” and “related instruction” which happens in a specified learning environment. This benefits a manager or field trainer on the job site as they can use the Job Book to “check off” job tasks as an apprentice/employee successfully completes the task, that was supported by related instruction, at a predetermined level at a particular time. The advantage for the apprentice/employee is a transparent record of their own learning and future expectations for continued learning on the job.

At Teck Alaska Incorporated-Red Dog Mining Operations, Job Books were developed after a series of DACUM job profiles were completed. This was essential in establishing a tiered system for required job training and wage progression. What was the advantage of this for leadership? Managers were able to pinpoint key gaps in training which led to the attainment or development of training resources to support their employees. They were also able to use the job books to ensure every worker was trained on the key skills needed.

And the advantage for the employee? The ability to upskill through on-the-job training and related instruction that could benefit them in the future with promotions and the possibility of job transfers. Moreover, the transparency in expectations of job tasks was key in boosting morale and buy-in by employees at the organization as a whole.

The WIDS team of consultants has many years of knowledge and experience developing Job Books from DACUM job task analysis and can assist your organization today!