TRANSVERSAL SKILLS: THE KEY TO IMPROVE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH MOOCS J. Martin-Gutierrez, C.E. Mora Luis, C. Hernández Jorge, R. Trujillo González Universidad de La Laguna (SPAIN) Abstract This paper provides an analysis of transversal skills required to properly perform the job. We conducted a general review at the national level about the specific transversal and professional competencies that employers seek when filling vacancies in their companies. We performed an empirical study at the local level to identify the types of sector specific transversal and professional competencies that employers seek when filling vacancies in tourism companies. The empirical study consisted of an online survey to gather quantitative data, and a face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interview to gather qualitative data. The potential contributions that MOOCs could make to the Tourism Industry when used as a tool through which specific transversal skills are honed, whether they are knowledge-based skills, attitudes, or even behaviours. The paper details a list of generic transversal skills that are common to all professions and they could be delivered via MOOCs before providing an overview of the current supply of MOOCs within the Tourism Industry. In Spain, the Tourism Industry creates more employment than any other sector of the economy and as such staff must be highly trained if they are to be successful in a competitive market. Keywords: Transversal skills, MOOC, Tourism, Innovation, research projects. 1 INTRODUCTION In general terms society is undergoing a quantum shift, which in large part is the result of globalisation. The changes taking place require widespread structural reforms in the most critical areas of society, and the field of education is undergoing, perhaps, the most radical changes of all. Within education, as these reforms take place, emphasis is being placed on harnessing elements that have previously been overlooked: life-long learning; the capacity to adapt to continuous social changes; the capacity to apply theoretical knowledge within professional environments and the workplace; supporting individual development without losing sight of multiculturalism; and encouraging proactive participation, innovation and entrepreneurialism, amongst others [1]. In 2000, the European Council met in Lisbon and prepared their strategic goals, one of which was to help the European Union "…become the most innovative and most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.” 1 in upcoming decades. This strategic goal produced profound changes and transformation in Europe’s education systems, not only within higher education but also within professional training programs and vocational training courses. This new educational paradigm is based on creating greater transparency with regards to professional and academic profiles, and places a greater emphasis on results. Furthermore, it places emphasis on tailoring training to the needs of students and on knowledge management whilst establishing the need to develop competencies that include the dynamic combination of knowledge, understanding, skills and capacities, thus enhancing employability, innovation and entrepreneurialism. It is in this context that the new European framework for training has been mapped out that is, essentially, based around skills development. The European Employment Strategy (EES) 2 – led by the European Commission - has established as its main objective the creation of better jobs throughout the EU. It has refocused its priorities towards promoting policies that support the labour force and the creation of better quality work. The cornerstones of this strategy when it comes to improving employment opportunities are education and training, especially with regards to youth opportunities. As such it attempts to provide professionals 1 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/summits/lis1_en.htm Published by European Parliament: 2000 (Accessed on August 16th, 2015) 2 http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=101&langId=en Published on European Commission's DG for Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion: 2013 (Accessed on August 16th, 2015) Proceedings of EDULEARN17 Conference 3rd-5th July 2017, Barcelona, Spain ISBN: 978-84-697-3777-4 6968