What is the difference between general education and Essential Employability Skills?
General education and Essential Employability Skills are two different parts of the program standard identified for all college programs leading to Ontario College credentials. General education courses are designed to provide students with choice and breadth of experience beyond their vocational area of study. This component of the curriculum is included to help learners gain insight into the diversity, complexity and richness of human experience. Learning in these courses builds the knowledge and skills needed to participate actively in society and to recognize the values of social responsibility and good citizenship. “Essential Employability Skills (EES) are skills that, regardless of a learner’s program or discipline, are critical for success in the workplace, in day-to-day living or for lifelong learning.” (ACCC/HRDC EES Committee, July 2003) The chart below compares these two components of college programs.
