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ADE
2020-1-TR01-KA226-VET-098418
Definitions of Soft Skills
Informal Skills Definition
“Learning resulting from daily activities related to work, family or leisure.
It is not organised or structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support.
Informal learning is in most cases unintentional from the learner’s perspective.”
Source: CEDEFOP (European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training)
Transversal Skills Definition
“Transversal knowledge, skills and competences are relevant to a broad range of
occupations and sectors. They are often referred to as core skills, basic skills or soft
skills, the cornerstone for the personal development of a person.”
Source: ESCO (European Skills/ Competences, qualifications and Occupations)
Another way of defining soft skills is to characterise them through a negative definition,
meaning that these skills are not formal or “hard” skills.
Hard skills are technical skills needed to perform a task and are acquired through formal
education, e.g. school, VET training or university.
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