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.
The summary presented here is based on existing Essential Skills profiles and will be updated to align with the new Skills for Success model over time.
Reading
Automotive service technicians must read and comprehend a variety of materials including repair information, manufacturers’ bulletins and safety documents. They refer to government regulations, vehicle inspection procedures, hazardous material handling and disposal and safety requirements of vehicles.
Document Use
Automotive service technicians interpret technical drawings and flowcharts. They locate data such as classifications, product and material specifications, identification numbers, quantities and costs. Automotive service technicians often use specification tables. They scan a variety of manufacturers’ labels for part numbers, serial numbers, sizes, colours and other information and adhere to hazard and safety icons.
Writing
Automotive service technicians complete workplace documents such as written explanations to the client, work orders, inspection reports and incident reports.
Communication
Automotive service technicians gather information from different sources about vehicle faults and needed repairs, explain the results of inspections and repairs, and discuss maintenance procedures. They exchange technical repair and troubleshooting information with others such as customers, service managers, apprentices, co-workers, colleagues and suppliers. They may use different means for communication including speaking, listening and interacting using alternative methods of communication.
Numeracy
Automotive service technicians take a variety of measurements using recommended or required diagnostic tools and equipment. They estimate the amount of time required to complete repairs. Automotive service technicians compare measurements of energy, dimension, speed, horsepower, temperature and torque to specifications. They analyze pressure, power, torque, compression and electrical readings to assess vehicle performance and troubleshoot faults.
Thinking
Automotive service technicians use thinking skills and visual analysis to diagnose and repair faults. They evaluate the severity of vehicle defects and deficiencies and the quality of repairs. Automotive service technicians decide the most efficient course of action to complete a job.
Working with Others
Most automotive service technicians work independently on jobs outlined in work orders. They may assist others with jobs that require two people or are within their specific area of expertise. They collaborate effectively with co-workers and colleagues including apprentices, salespersons, partspersons and management to resolve concerns, situations and faults and for the purposes of mentorship.
Digital Technology
Automotive service technicians use computer-based scanning equipment and hand-held diagnostic tools to access vehicle operational data and perform digital service inspections. Automotive service technicians use online information, resources, technology to access and exchange information with other technicians, service managers, parts technicians, customers, colleagues and manufacturer support specialists.
Continuous Learning
Constant change in the industry makes it vital for automotive service technicians to stay current with the latest technology. They learn on the job, in organized information activities and in work discussion groups. Their training is provided by vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, employers and associations. They also advance skills by reading work-related magazines, periodicals and automotive websites.