This paper reviews the competence approach as a basic condition for the implementation of educational innovations. This approach involves formation of new core competencies - paraprofessionalization - through an interdisciplinary organization of learning content, integrated development of the laws of nature, technology and society, and systemic thinking. An assessment of the need for specialists in the labour market for compliance with the requirements of universities and employers of graduates is made. This assessment has identified non-compliance with the requirements. Employers mention a low degree of willingness to learn new things, a lack of focus on professional development, lack of readiness for teamwork etc. among the graduates' qualities. In this regard, a model of competence estimation which includes subjects, objects, levels and methods of competencies assessment was suggested. This model is designed to improve compliance with requirements and required competencies.