We use the term ‘skills’ to refer to both (1) occupations (job categories) and (2) abilities or competencies required within specific jobs. These latter competencies can be generic across many jobs (in which case we call them ‘critical skills’) or job specific. While the term skill can very narrowly refer only to a technical ability to do something, here the use of the term skill usually implies something broader – a combination of attitudes, values, and abilities.