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
Heavy duty equipment technicians read many technical documents and specifications. Some examples of these technical documents are work orders, disassembly and assembly instructions, manufacturers’ service bulletins, service manuals, recall information and product and material information. There are more and more online sources of information such as blogs and forums where technicians can find help with unusual problems or hard-to-find parts. The trade also has a significant amount of health and safety information and regulations.
Document Use
Heavy duty equipment technicians interpret drawings, schematics, digital readouts, troubleshooting graphs, diagrams and charts. They complete checklists, safety documentation, inspection certificates, work orders and service reports. They interpret labels, decals and icons on equipment. Heavy duty equipment technicians use electronic parts and equipment catalogues to order parts and obtain service information. Often, technicians must compile and process information from several sources to problem- solve and facilitate repairs.
Writing
Heavy duty equipment technicians write (handwritten and electronically) information for work orders, journals, logbooks, service reports, maintenance and inspection reports, and recommendations for service. These may be used to inform or request information from supervisors, colleagues, equipment manufacturers, different departments or customers.
Oral Communication
Heavy duty equipment technicians communicate with customers, operators, colleagues, manufacturers and supervisors to discuss and review job requirements. They participate in safety and toolbox meetings to discuss and learn about safety concerns, changes to operating procedures and projects.
Numeracy
Heavy duty equipment technicians take measurements. Some examples include lengths, dimensions, geometry and volumes. They calculate force, horsepower, weights and areas. They convert between measurement systems when calculating pressures, measuring torque and determining the capacity of cylinders and tanks. Heavy duty equipment technicians must analyze data by comparing readings and measurements.
Thinking
Heavy duty equipment technicians use problem solving skills to diagnose the source of the breakdowns. Decision-making and critical thinking skills are required for determining the type of equipment, parts, materials and procedures best suited for the job.
Heavy duty equipment technicians require job task planning skills to schedule work, determine task sequencing and prioritization of tasks. They organize their tools and the parts required at the beginning of each job.
Working with Others
Heavy duty equipment technicians mostly work alone but may assist other technicians with heavier or more complex repairs. They coordinate the use of tools and shop equipment with other technicians. They use co-workers, service managers and supervisors as resources in problem solving, diagnosing and laying out plans of actions.
Digital Technology
Heavy duty equipment technicians use electronic devices to complete work orders and other daily tasks. They communicate by email and text with co-workers, supervisors, suppliers and manufacturers. They use the Internet to access online manuals, training courses, seminars and articles by manufacturers, suppliers, employers, trades schools and technical institutes. They use calculators, mobile apps, and other electronic devices.
Heavy duty equipment technicians use diagnostic equipment that runs software applications and codes to determine operational data. Technicians use digital devices to connect to service information, diagnose faults, download software to program equipment, and communicate with technical support or remotely to a customer’s piece of equipment.
Continuous Learning
Heavy duty equipment technicians are continuously learning to keep up with changes in the industry such as new technology and equipment. They may attend manufacturers’ or suppliers’ seminars to learn about new products, materials and technical training. They also need to stay up-to-date on industry standards and regulations.