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
Floorcovering installers read a variety of texts. They read notes from contractors or supervisors on issues ranging from noise restrictions to special floor preparation requirements, or from architects and designers on topics such as product substitutions and timeline adjustments. They also read warranty procedures, cleaning instructions, product information sheets, safety data sheets (SDS) and equipment installation manuals.
Document Use
Floorcovering installers read signs, labels and lists. They complete various forms such as estimate forms to calculate labour and material costs, and they locate data on completed forms such as work orders to confirm locations and details of work to be completed. They also review specifications to identify sizes and shapes of floor spaces, types of flooring to be installed and installation procedures to be followed. Floorcovering installers interpret scale drawings such as blueprints or maps and take measurements from these drawings. They also draw to scale and make sketches.
Writing
Floorcovering installers write notes on work orders and floor layout plans to indicate additional services provided or to record mistakes and the use of substitute materials. They may also write notes to co-workers, customers or other tradespeople.
Oral Communication
Floorcovering installers discuss ongoing work with co-workers, contractors and other tradespeople to review task sequences and project timelines and to confirm flooring substitutions or changes to specifications. They may provide direction to apprentices or new employees. They may also speak to customers to suggest changes in flooring designs and product options, or to explain warranties and proper maintenance of installed flooring.
Numeracy
The math skills involved in the floorcovering installer trade include handling money, scheduling, budgeting and accounting, measurement and calculation, data analysis, and estimation.
Floorcovering installers may prepare and verify invoices by itemizing prices and costs of materials and calculating labour charges and applicable taxes. They create work schedules based on project size, availability of workers and materials, and clients’ timelines. They take measurements such as floor length and width using a variety of tools such as tapes and rulers, or the moisture content of concrete floors using hygrometers. They also calculate the area of rooms and determine the quantity of carpet, vinyl, tiles or hardwood required. They use geometric construction methods to lay out lines and to create patterns. They also estimate amounts of products required, sizes of rooms and time required to complete an installation.
Thinking
Floorcovering installers use their problem solving skills to resolve issues such as missing materials, faulty tools, delays created by other trades or incorrect drawings and specifications. They may plan sequence of staging, order new supplies, adjust their work schedules or ask for direction from supervisors.
They use decision making skills to select equipment, materials and installation methods, sequences and layouts to complete various flooring installations. They also use critical thinking skills to assess the suitability of materials and products selected. For example, when laying floorcovering products, they visually check for defects and they inspect the sub-floors for flaws to ensure that the quality of the finished installation is not compromised. They also consider factors such as manufacturers’ specifications, traffic flow patterns and exposure to extreme temperatures, high moisture levels and direct sunlight.
Working with Others
Floorcovering installers coordinate tasks with small crews and other trades to ensure efficient use of time and to meet installation timelines. They may work with apprentices and they may participate in supervisory or leadership activities.
Digital Technology
Floorcovering installers may use the Internet to search suppliers’ or manufacturers’ websites for information on flooring tools, products and specifications. They may also use computer programs for business applications such as invoicing and estimating.
Continuous Learning
Floorcovering installers learn on the job and through their daily interactions with co-workers. They may attend courses offered by product manufacturers. They also read manufacturers’ product manuals, information sheets and trade magazines to stay current on technological advancements in the trade.