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Employer Resources

Occupational and Functional Mapping

How does Occupational and Functional Mapping feed into the development of National Occupational Standards?

Occupational Maps and Functional Maps (OFMs) jointly set out the broad occupational areas that make up an industry, and detail the functions that need to be carried out within each role. They are the starting point for identifying which occupational roles may require the development of industry-wide standards.

A National Occupational Standard (NOS) defines one activity within an occupation. To match NOS to an occupation, we need to understand all of the activities that take place within that occupation – OFMs provide the detail required for this. The OFMs help highlight any overlaps or gaps in current National Occupational Standards and inform a number of areas of later work for standards development, qualification development and identification of progression routes.

OFMs for renewable energy?

In 2005 and 2007 an occupational/functional mapping exercise for renewables was completed by the Energy & Utility Skills (EU Skills). The resulting occupational and functional map for the wind industry can be accessed by clicking here. At present the breakdown is only at a basic level and EU Skills is currently in the process of reviewing and adding more detail to this.

How to add to OFM?

The major challenge in establishing a valid and robust occupational map for renewable energy is to confirm those occupations that are truly “unique to the sector”. That is, as opposed to those for which the skills required are generic to other sectors.

If your company feels there are any ‘priority roles’ unique to wind, wave or tidal energy businesses missing please get in touch. This is especially important where you foresee a near-future boost in demand for industry wide occupational standards to be developed.

Contact EU Skills Directly: Sara.Ford@euskills.co.uk

FAQs:

What does a typical Occupational Map look like?

The main component of an OFM is normally a list of the main job roles in the sector. In addition some core information needs to be provided about:

  • examples of commonly used job titles;
  • a short description of each job role;
  • list of the main activities undertake n by people in the role;
  • links to other job roles in terms of either career progression or line management;
  • a list of qualifications or experience normally required to undertake each role;

The Functional Map adds to the detail

A functional map builds on the occupational map to provide a detailed, hierarchical, breakdown of the main functions undertaken by occupations within the sector. It provides the foundations for the competence statements included in the final NOS. Functional maps commonly include a:

  • section describing the values, aspirations and principles that underpin the sector;
  • statement of the Key Purpose of the sector;
  • a small number of Key Functional Areas. These breakdown the Key Purpose statement into a number of areas of work that need to be achieved to meet the Key Purpose
  • series of Key Functional Roles that are required in each Key Functional Area;