Skills for Success 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
Carpenters need to read work orders, invoices and brief notes from co-workers. They also read and interpret technical documents, drawings, specifications, building codes, regulations, bylaws and standards. Carpenters read notices, bulletins and newsletters to stay up-to-date on workplace issues as well as trade journals and website articles to keep current on industry trends.
Document Use
Carpenters scan documents, products and signs for symbols and icons to identify workplace hazards. They complete checklists and forms by checking boxes and entering data, such as dates, times and quantities. They locate data in a variety of tables. Carpenters complete a variety of documents such as log books, work orders, building permit applications, and safety and budget documents.
Writing
Carpenters write reminders and notes to themselves, customers and co-workers. They write comments in field books, on forms and on schedules about obstacles such as overhead power lines. They may also write accident or incident reports depending on the jurisdiction. Carpenters write pre-job hazard assessments or field-level risk assessments.
Oral Communication
Carpenters speak with suppliers to learn about products, prices and delivery schedules. They talk with co‑workers and other tradespeople about timelines, procedures, expectations and other work-related matters. They speak with safety and building inspectors, manufacturer representatives, customers and the public, and they participate in worksite meetings. Carpenters may also provide detailed instructions to co-workers and apprentices.
Numeracy
Carpenters must have a thorough understanding of basic arithmetic, ratio and proportion, geometry and trigonometry. They often work with both the metric and the imperial systems of measurement. They perform calculations and apply formulas to determine offsets, elevations and grades. Furthermore, they use formulas to determine area, volume and quantities, and make calculations to build stairs and rafters. Carpenters estimate material and time requirements to complete a project.
Thinking
Carpenters decide on the order of tasks based on priorities and delays. They consult with co-workers and other tradespeople when they encounter problems to exchange ideas and select the best approach. They choose tools, methods and products for projects based on project specifications, building code requirements and the availability of products, time and labour. Carpenters evaluate the safety of a work site and potential hazards.
Working with Others
Carpenters work in groups some of the time as this promotes efficiency and productivity. They also work with apprentices some of the time to direct, mentor and monitor their work. Carpenters may also work alone when the task may be performed unassisted. Carpenters are often leaders of the construction team, working together on a daily basis with other trades, forepersons, suppliers and engineers to complete the project through combined effort and organized co‑operation.
Digital Technology
Carpenters use digital and robotic survey equipment, calculators and portable electronic devices to complete a variety of tasks. They may use a variety of software such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, accounting, communication and estimating software. They may use design software such as computer aided design (CAD) to develop and communicate design ideas. They access information online from suppliers, manufacturers, unions and associations. They may also use the Internet to access training courses and seminars.
Continuous Learning
There is a requirement for ongoing learning to maintain current knowledge of changing codes, regulations, standards and materials for new construction and renovations. It is also very important to apply new skills and methods emerging due to technological and environmental advancements.