Skills for success (Essential Skills) summary
Essential skills are needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.
Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies have identified and validated nine essential skills. These skills are used in nearly every occupation and throughout daily life in different ways.
A series of CCDA-endorsed tools have been developed to support apprentices in their training and to be better prepared for a career in the trades. The tools can be used independently or with the assistance of a tradesperson, trainer, employer, teacher or mentor to:
- understand how essential skills are used in the trades;
- learn about individual essential skills strengths and areas for improvement; and
- improve essential skills and increase success in an apprenticeship program.
The tools are available online or for order at: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/essential-skills/profiles.html.
The application of these skills may be described throughout this document within the skills and knowledge that support each sub-task of the trade. The following are summaries of the requirements in each of the essential skills, taken from the essential skills profile.
Reading
Hairstylists read a variety of materials including bulletins, manufacturers’ specifications and directions, notices, labels, product inserts, client history profiles and forms. They read regulations, agreements outlining chair-rental contracts, salaries and commissions. Hairstylists may read city by-laws to determine health and safety standards, licensing requirements and allowable business practices. They read articles and trade magazines to stay informed about industry trends and developments as well as descriptions of new products.
Document Use
Hairstylists locate information on labels to determine ingredients, storage techniques, safety data sheets (SDS) and safety hazards. They also review trend releases and specifications on swatch books, colour charts, diagrams and tables, and manuals in order to identify processing times, mixing ratios and colouring agents. They consult client records.
Writing
Hairstylists update client records. They complete forms and write reminders/notes to co-workers and clients. They also write a variety of material to promote services and products on social media sites.
Oral Communication
Hairstylists communicate with clients to determine clients’ needs and hairstyling service required. They discuss a variety of topics with clients including fashion trends and hairstyle choices. Hairstylists also exchange information with co-workers, supervisors and distributors. There may be a need to provide reassurance and resolve conflicts.
Numeracy
Hairstylists use numeracy in a range of tasks. For example, they measure the amount of fluids using scales, beakers and tubes. They also compare measurements of time, temperature and fluid volume to product specification and colouring charts. Hairstylists determine length of hair being cut. When scheduling appointments, they also determine the amount of time needed to complete appointments and maximize productivity by taking into consideration condition of hair, service being delivered and time specified on product information sheet. They complete financial transactions and collect payment for hairstyling, services and products. They must also calculate percentages for various activities.
Thinking
Hairstylists use critical thinking skills to select tools and products required to create specific hairstyles and to judge the performance of hair care products by considering clients’ hair. They use problem-solving skills to meet client preferences. Hairstylists evaluate condition of hair and scalp to determine treatment and hairstyle options.
Digital Technology
Hairstylists may use current technology to communicate with clients, distributors, access product manufacturers’ website and update client information and book appointments. They may use calculators or point of sale systems to complete numeracy-related tasks. They may use social media for marketing themselves, networking with others, researching current trends, inspiring creativity and training/self-development.
Working with Others
Hairstylists may work independently or with other team members to perform tasks and optimize client experience in a professional manner. Hairstylists may also mentor apprentices.
Continuous Learning
Continuous learning is important for hairstylists due to ongoing changes in the industry. They also learn by speaking with co-workers and colleagues and by participating in training. Hairstylists may also learn by reading articles, attending educational events and shows, consulting online platforms, analyzing photographs and noting hairstyle and fashion trends, and influencers.