Skills for success (Essential Skills) summary
Essential skills are needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.
Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies have identified and validated nine essential skills. These skills are used in nearly every occupation and throughout daily life in different ways.
A series of CCDA-endorsed tools have been developed to support apprentices in their training and to be better prepared for a career in the trades. The tools can be used independently or with the assistance of a tradesperson, trainer, employer, teacher or mentor to:
- understand how essential skills are used in the trades;
- learn about individual essential skills strengths and areas for improvement; and
- improve essential skills and increase success in an apprenticeship program.
Tools are available online or for order at: Skills for Success – Assessment and training tools.
The application of these skills may be described throughout this document within the competency statements which support each subtask of the trade. The following are summaries of the requirements in each of the essential skills, taken from the essential skills profile.
Reading
Auto body and collision technicians read labels, technical service bulletins and manuals to learn about installation and repair procedures. They read estimates, work orders and memos about damages and details of customers’ requests. Auto body and collision technicians read safety-related information and a variety of Acts, bylaws and regulations. They also read trade publications to learn about new technologies, products and materials.
Document Use
Auto body and collision technicians observe hazard symbols on product labels. They locate and interpret data on forms, work orders and documents to identify product identification numbers, parts and colours. Auto body and collision technicians read documents to determine product specifications such as vehicle dimensions, and interpret OEM, industry service and repair procedures. They also identify devices and circuits in schematics and technical drawings to identify connectors, switches, and the position and orientation of vehicle parts and assemblies.
Writing
Auto body and collision technicians write notes and supplements on work orders and forms to describe what work was performed. They may write reports describing workplace incidents.
Oral Communication
Auto body and collision technicians communicate with co-workers, vendors and customers about the scope of work and work completed. They may explain procedures to apprentices. Auto body and collision technicians may exchange technical information with co-workers and technicians when seeking advice on procedures for carrying out tasks.
Numeracy
Auto body and collision technicians take a variety of measurements, and analyze and compare them to manufacturers’ specifications. They may estimate times and materials for projects.
Thinking
Auto body and collision technicians use problem-solving skills to determine severity of damage prior to beginning repairs and to identify hidden damages when dismantling vehicles. They judge the quality of repairs by considering shape, length, depths of bodylines, fit of doors and parts. Auto body and collision technicians decide order and priority of tasks taking into consideration availability of equipment and priority of unfinished work.
Digital Technology
Auto body and collision technicians may use mobile devices to complete numeracy-related tasks. They may use digital cameras to inspect hard to access vehicle components for damages. They use diagnostic equipment. Auto body and collision technicians may use specialized auto body service databases to access job assignments, retrieve and review past service information, and complete estimates and work orders. They may use the internet to access OEM specifications and procedures and training courses or forums to provide advice and learn how to complete repairs.
Working with Others
Auto body and collision technicians spend most of their time working independently but they may be required to coordinate activities with workers from other departments to ensure vehicle availability when repairing damaged vehicles. They may also work directly with co-workers when moving vehicles and lifting large and heavy parts into place.
Continuous Learning
Auto body and collision technicians are continuously learning to keep up with the changes in the industry. They attend on-site, on-line or classroom training provided by industry associations or manufacturers and suppliers.