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
Construction craft workers read a variety of material such as safety data sheets (SDS) and pre-job safety instructions (PSI). They also may refer to instructions and procedures for guidelines on mixing mortars and cleaning parts, and manuals for guidelines on inspecting and operating stationary and mobile equipment including load charts. Construction craft workers may read trade journals, brochures and website articles to learn about new products and construction technologies.
Document Use
Construction craft workers interpret labels on product packaging and equipment to locate specifications, times, safety information and identification numbers. They also interpret technical drawings such as floor plans, blueprints, utility locates, traffic control plans, schematics and assembly drawings. They complete documents including safety documentation, orientation and equipment inspection forms.
Writing
Construction craft workers use writing skills to complete logbooks and time sheets, and to record the outcome of safety inspections. They also write notes to co-workers concerning items such as defective equipment. They may be required to prepare short reports, such as describing events leading up to a workplace accident.
Oral Communication
Construction craft workers exchange information with co-workers and other tradespeople. They talk to supervisors to learn about job assignments and to coordinate activities and schedules. Construction craft workers participate in staff meetings and toolbox/tailgate talks to discuss safety, goals, procedures, job time-frames and projects.
Numeracy
Construction craft workers take measurements using a range of tools and compare measurements to specifications. They estimate and calculate quantities, weights and material requirements.
Thinking
Construction craft workers use thinking skills to organize their work. They decide on the order of tasks and how to work around issues that can arise such as material shortages and equipment breakdowns. They evaluate the safety of worksites by identifying hazards. They evaluate the quality of work by taking measurements and checking alignment. Construction craft workers may attempt to troubleshoot equipment problems. They may also recommend whether parts are reusable or can be rebuilt.
Working with Others
Construction craft workers may work independently or with a journeyperson or apprentice to accomplish their assigned tasks. On large jobs, they may work with other trades and as a member of a team.
Digital Technology
Construction craft workers use digital tools such as multimeters and scan tools to measure current, voltage and resistance. They use calculators to complete numeracy related tasks. Construction craft workers use communication software/devices to exchange information. They may access online information such as bulletins and training courses. They may also use computers and portable devices such as smartphones and tablets to generate diagrams as well as to view drawings.
They use drones for surveying and inspection, as well as use data collectors with GPS and total station equipment to process, handle and share jobsite information.
Continuous Learning
Construction craft workers have a recurring requirement to learn. This includes learning about new work materials and construction procedures. They may take part in company or jobsite safety training to remain up-to-date.