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
Gasfitters read descriptions and explanations on work orders and memos from supervisors and customers on details of the work tasks and activities that need to be done. They read warnings and instructions on labels, signs, tags and placards to make decisions about special precautions or procedures that are needed for a particular job. They must interpret and apply manufacturers’ specifications, codes, and regulatory requirements when installing, maintaining, servicing, and decommissioning equipment or systems.
Document Use
Gasfitters use manufacturers’ specification sheets, equipment manuals and code books to locate technical information and operation settings to complete installation, maintenance and repair procedures. They refer to drawings, pictures and diagrams in equipment manuals to troubleshoot equipment problems and complete repair and replacement procedures. Gasfitters use and read schematic drawings to understand various systems such as equipment, control, electrical, gas supply and energy distribution systems.
Writing
Gasfitters write detailed notes in logbooks, notebooks, layout drawings and inspection checklists to keep records of equipment installation, changes and deficiencies. They provide descriptive texts on work orders to provide description of work performed, equipment deficiencies and required remedial actions. Gasfitters create as-built diagrams and sketches. Gasfitters may complete sections of incident or accident reports.
Oral Communication
Gasfitters communicate with customers, managers, supervisors, coworkers and other trades to discuss equipment problems and outline job requirements, legal implications and negotiate repair processes. They also follow up with customers after jobs are completed to explain equipment operation and answer questions. Gasfitters may also communicate with a range of officials, such as provincial/territorial regulators and engineers.
Numeracy
Gasfitters calculate materials needed and determine estimates for installation or service jobs. Gasfitters convert length and volume measurement from metric to imperial units and vice versa. They also perform calculations for venting, combustion air and gas pipe sizing requirements. They take measurements such as distance, volume, temperature and pressure. Gasfitters must be able to convert different units of energy. These calculations and measurements are used for such things as sizing combustion air, energy distribution and exhaust gas analysis.
Thinking
Gasfitters problem solve when facing unexpected installation, service and removal problems. They may decide to not enter homes or buildings where personal health and safety may be at risk. Based on their sensory inspections, their knowledge of instrumentation, controls and equipment performance and the urgency to restart systems, gasfitters determine how to troubleshoot, maintain or replace equipment or components. They may also decide how and where to install system components to meet manufacturers’ specifications, code requirements and maintain efficiency. Gasfitters evaluate efficiency of fuel-fired systems. They also plan and organize their daily tasks.
Working with Others
Gasfitters may work alone or with a team depending on the task requirements. When working with others, they may coordinate with other trades and contractors. They mentor and train apprentices and coworkers on the job.
Digital Technology
Gasfitters use computer programs and instrumentation to create installation layouts or to troubleshoot system or equipment problems. They use computers to interface with equipment and programming, changing parameters and maintaining control systems. They use electronic communication to communicate with customers, coworkers, suppliers or subcontractors.
Continuous Learning
Gasfitters often have in-house training or attend seminars to update their required site-specific and safety certifications such as WHMIS, fall arrest training, first aid and many others. Gasfitters must become proficient with new equipment, technology, regulations, codes and procedures by attending training sessions and seminars, reading manuals and through on-the-job experience.