Skills for Success (Essential Skills) Summary
Skills for Success are needed in a quickly changing world for work, learning and life. They are foundational for building other skills and important for effective social interaction. Everyone benefits from having these skills as they help individuals get a job, progress at their current job and change jobs. They also help individuals become active members of their community and succeed in learning.
Through extensive research and consultations, the Government of Canada launched the new Skills for Success model renewing the previous Essential Skills framework to better reflect the needs of the current and future labour market.
For full descriptions of the Skills for Success including their components and proficiency levels see: Skill components and proficiency levels – Canada.ca.
The following summarizes how such skills are used in this trade. Note that the summaries below are based on the previous model (Essential Skills), and will be adapted in the next iteration of the Red Seal Occupational Standard to match the Skills for Success model.
Reading
Automotive refinishing technicians read repair orders (work orders and estimates), labels, application or installation instructions, technical data sheets (TDS), manufacturers’ service bulletins and manuals for safe use and storage of paints, solvents and equipment. They also read trade publications to learn about new technologies, products and materials.
Document Use
Automotive refinishing technicians reference safety or hazard icons to obtain information on a product’s toxicity. They read forms and tables to determine product specifications such as temperatures, humidity, drying times and ratios. Automotive refinishing technicians also use colour chips, vehicle information, tinting charts and technology to determine colour variant to achieve a blend-able match. They use safety and environmental documentation such as safety data sheets (SDS), VOC and isocyanates logs, maintenance logs, and TDS. They track and log colour libraries. They use business-related documentation such as: time sheets, repair orders (work orders), production schedules and pre-delivery checklists.
Writing
Automotive refinishing technicians write notes on repair orders (work orders) and forms to describe previous damage, work that was carried out and any irregularities. Automotive refinishing technicians may write reports describing workplace accidents and note information for the colour library, chemical tracking and equipment logs. They may prepare lists for ordering inventory.
Oral Communication
Automotive refinishing technicians communicate with colleagues and customers about the scope of work and work completed. They explain procedures to apprentices and estimators. Automotive refinishing technicians need to communicate with suppliers and manufacturer representatives.
Numeracy
Automotive refinishing technicians monitor temperatures, humidity and pressure levels. They calculate quantities of materials needed and mix refinishing materials based on weight, volume, ratios and formulas. Automotive refinishing technicians may also estimate time required to complete painting tasks including force-drying calculations.
Thinking
Automotive refinishing technicians use analytical and problem solving skills to determine appropriate solutions to refinishing issues such as surface imperfections, contamination, production problems and equipment problems. Automotive refinishing technicians make decisions about which products to use to create the desired finish. They use organizational skills to enhance production schedule and maintain work flow.
Working with others
Automotive refinishing technicians spend most of their time working independently but they are required to coordinate activities with colleagues from body repair, detailing, vehicle preparation and office staff to maintain production schedule. They may also work directly with colleagues to help them with vehicle preparation duties.
Digital Technology
Automotive refinishing technicians may use digital tools and equipment to measure temperature, humidity, air pressure and paint thickness. They may also use digital devices to determine paint colours and codes. Automotive refinishing technicians may use computer software to retrieve paint formulas and access instructions for selecting and mixing appropriate refinishing materials. Workplace records and technical and safety information may be recorded and accessed using computers.
Continuous Learning
Automotive refinishing technicians are continuously learning to keep up with the changes in the industry in relation to products, vehicles and equipment. They may attend manufacturers’ or suppliers’ seminars to become a certified user of their products. Some jurisdictions require automotive refinishing technicians to participate in continuous learning.