Habilitats

Habilitats is a term used in Catalan to denote the abilities or competencies that enable a person to perform tasks, solve problems, and participate effectively in activities. The concept covers a broad range of capabilities, including cognitive, technical, interpersonal, physical, and digital competences. A common distinction is between hard skills—specific, teachable abilities such as programming, accounting, or driving—and soft skills, which involve communication, teamwork, and self-management.

Development: Habilitats are developed through formal education, training, work experience, and deliberate practice. They may be explicit or tacit, and are often described in terms of knowledge (knowing how) and skill (doing). Lifelong learning and continuous upskilling are increasingly emphasized in response to rapid technological change and shifting job requirements.

Assessment and use: Habilitats are evaluated through exams and tests, performance tasks, portfolios, simulations, and feedback systems. Competency frameworks and skill taxonomies provide structured ways to map and compare habilitats across contexts such as education, employment, and certification.

Context and trends: Emphasis on habilitats supports better alignment between learning outcomes and real-world tasks. Policies on digital literacy, upskilling, and lifelong learning seek to develop transferable competences that enhance employability and adaptability in a changing economy.