Modeling the Characteristics of Vocational Excellence: A Case Study with Finnish WorldSkills Competitors

This study investigated the role of Finnish Helsinki 2005, Shizuoka 2007, and Calgary 2009 WorldSkills Competition (WSC) competitors’ natural abilities, intrinsic characteristics, and domain- and non-domain-specific extrinsic conditions in their talent development with a qualitative (N = 48) sample. The results of the semi-structured interviews with competitors, their trainers, workplace superiors, and parents showed that self-reflection, volition, cognitive skills, and motivation were considered the most important factors promoting vocational excellence. Characteristics related to volition, self-reflection, and cognitive skills played an important role in all three developmental stages of vocational talent (initial interest, perseverance, and mastery of the skill). The roles of both teachers and trainers were deemed important to the stages of vocational talent development.