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.
For full descriptions of the Skills for Success including their components and proficiency levels see: Skill components and proficiency levels – Canada.ca.
The following summarizes how such skills are used in this trade. Note that the summaries below are based on the previous model (Essential Skills), and will be adapted in the next iteration of the Red Seal Occupational Standard to match the Skills for Success model.
Reading
Glaziers require reading skills to gather information from forms and labels. They also need to read to understand more complex texts such as equipment and policy and procedure manuals, specifications, codes, standards, and safety regulations. They read bulletins and brochures from suppliers describing new products, parts and prices. They also refer to project specifications and work orders when planning a job.
Document use
Glaziers need to be able to locate and interpret information in several types of documents such as labels/stickers, posted signs, forms, lists, tables, and installation and delivery schedules. They also refer to a wide array of complex assembly drawings integrating text, drawings and actual components. This also includes creating sketches and drawings.
Writing
Writing skills are used by glaziers to write notes to themselves regarding work orders and customer requests. They may also write notes to request supplies and materials or write memos and letters to suppliers and manufacturers to request information on prices, equipment, parts or procedures. They may also write a quote or estimate that includes costs of labour to remove existing materials and install the new product, as well as costs of all materials. They also need to complete documents such as time sheets, shipping documents, purchase orders, invoices, job sheets and city permits.
Oral communication
Some tasks performed by glaziers require oral communication skills, including discussing safety issues, work schedules, materials and equipment with supervisors, contractors, building managers, customers, suppliers and other tradespeople. Glaziers may explain the fabrication, construction, installation and repair procedures to customers as well. They may also instruct others, such as an apprentice or a work crew, explaining and demonstrating procedures.
Numeracy
Numeracy skills are extremely important in the everyday work of glaziers. Substantial mathematical skills are used in taking measurements, doing material layout, using formulas and performing trade calculations such as geometry and trigonometry to calculate distances and angles. Glaziers may create project timelines, calculating time requirements for tasks in the project. They may also calculate amounts for supplies, estimates and overall costs.
Thinking
Glaziers solve problems in situations where work may be delayed due to equipment breakdowns, shortages of materials and work of other trades. They may perform modifications to project designs to correct flaws. They need the ability to think spatially and visualize in three dimensions. Problem solving and thinking sequentially are important skills in service, fabrication and installation activities. Glaziers need to be able to plan their work and organize tasks and materials.
Working with others
Glaziers may work independently or with partners or apprentices depending on the type of work they are performing. For example, frame fabricators often work alone while constructing frames, while installers will usually work with a partner or apprentice while installing windows. Glaziers must coordinate their work with many other co-workers, trades and suppliers. They see themselves as members of a team who work together to provide a quality service and product. Some glaziers supervise the work of apprentices and other journeypersons on larger jobs.
Digital technology
Glaziers use digital devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones and two-way radios to communicate with others, record job changes and daily activities, track job progress, order materials, perform Internet research and perform word processing. They also use design software in their work. Highly technical layout devices such as laser 3D scanners and total stations require advanced digital skills.
Continuous learning
Glaziers are required to stay current with new products and materials. They refer to brochures or manuals from suppliers and apply the information on the job. They attend training by the manufacturer on how to use or install a new product. Glaziers also attend courses and orientations on safety procedures and the operation of equipment such as aerial work platforms and swing stages. They must also attend upgrading on topics such as layout, safety and rigging. On-the-job learning takes place continuously using methods such as safety meetings, toolbox talks and mentoring.