Training generic competencies for the employability of Social Work students at University in Spain. Mixed Methods Study.

Authors

  • Esperanza García-Uceda Department of Business Organization and Management, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
  • Sandra León-Herrera Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain// Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.
  • César Sánchez-Álvarez Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26754/ojs_ais/accionesinvestigsoc.20254610973

Keywords:

Generic skills, training, work market, Social Work

Abstract

Introduction: The study aims to identify key generic competencies in Social Work professional development to enhance employability. Material and Methods: A mixed methodology was used: quantitative (cross-sectional) and qualitative (exploratory). An online survey was developed that noted hard and soft skills. A total of 473 responses were collected from professionals and social organizations, teachers, and students. In addition, two focus groups consisting of 17 University professors were conducted, based on the development of employability at the University level. Results: Findings reveal crucial hard skills such as critical thinking, work skills based on ethical commitment, and knowledge of cultural processes. As for soft skills, the most notable were conflict and problem resolution, inter-multidisciplinary work capacity, and organization and planning capacity. However, it is considered that there is no adequate preparation for some of these competencies. Discussion: This work sheds light on the need to create knowledge transfer processes from different spaces. It is necessary to extend learning to practical experiences through the use of case studies during training programs. It is also necessary to create a greater number of training spaces in work environments, such as increasing the number of practice hours that facilitate the acquisition of Social Work competencies in a broad manner.

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Author Biographies

  • Esperanza García-Uceda, Department of Business Organization and Management, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain

    Esperanza García-Uceda is a Doctor in Economics and Management of Organizations, and a professor in the Department of Business Management and Organization of the University of Zaragoza (Faculty of Work and Social Sciences). Vice dean of Institutional Relations of the same faculty.

  • Sandra León-Herrera, Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain// Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.

    Sandra León-Herrera is an occupational therapist specializing in Neurology. She is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Zaragoza, in the Department of Psychology and Sociology (Faculty of Work and Social Sciences).

  • César Sánchez-Álvarez, Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.

    César Sánchez-Álvarez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Sociology of the University of Zaragoza (Faculty of Work and Social Sciences). His research experience covers key areas such as social process development, social economics, and public and social policy.

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Published

2025-03-28

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No. 46 (2025): Acciones e Investigaciones Sociales

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Copyright (c) 2025 Esperanza García-Uceda, Sandra León-Herrera, César Sánchez-Álvarez

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How to Cite

García-Uceda, E., León-Herrera, S., & Sánchez-Álvarez, C. . (2025). Training generic competencies for the employability of Social Work students at University in Spain. Mixed Methods Study. Acciones E Investigaciones Sociales, 46. https://doi.org/10.26754/ojs_ais/accionesinvestigsoc.20254610973
Received 2024-08-14
Accepted 2025-02-12
Published 2025-03-28

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