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.
Tools are available online or for order.
The application of these skills may be described throughout this document within the competency statements which support each subtask of the trade. The following are summaries of the requirements in each of the essential skills, taken from the essential skills profile.
Reading
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) read texts such as short descriptions and directions on labels for products. They read bulletins, manuals, work orders, reports and procedures when installing, operating, diagnosing, maintaining and repairing equipment. They also read emails and memos from supervisors, co-workers and suppliers about ongoing work.
Document Use
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) scan and locate data on labels, lists, tables and schedules. They may interpret graphs when monitoring equipment operation. They interpret or review schematics and engineered drawings of systems (pneumatic, mechanical, structural and hydraulic) to identify malfunctions. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may also retrieve and study data from scale drawings to identify location of equipment to be installed and verify location. They also complete forms such as purchase orders, maintenance forms, logbooks and work orders.
Writing
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) write brief text entries in logbooks and in forms. They may write maintenance, repair and safe work procedures. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) write emails to supervisors, co-workers about ongoing work, and suppliers about equipment specifications. They may also write incident reports and update drawings.
Oral Communication
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) talk to suppliers, engineers and contractors about equipment specifications and access, orders, delivery and service times. They discuss work orders, equipment malfunctions and job task coordination with co-workers. They inform supervisors about work progress and may seek guidance and approvals from them. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may discuss work with clients, advise them about maintenance and propose equipment modifications. They also discuss safety, productivity, and procedural and policy changes at meetings with co-workers, supervisors, engineers and clients. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) communicate with other tradespeople and personnel from other departments.
Numeracy
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) measure various physical properties of equipment. Calculations are required in multiple aspects of the industrial mechanics (millwrights) trade, such as pneumatic, mechanical, structural and hydraulic systems. They calculate distances, totals, maximums, minimums, tolerances, fits and quantities required. They also calculate loads, capacities, speeds, feeds and dimensions for mechanical components and systems. They perform calculations in order to adjust, level and align equipment according to specifications, and for diagnosing process variables. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) estimate weights and distances appropriate for rigging, hoisting, lifting and moving equipment and procedures.
Thinking
Thinking skills are critical to the industrial mechanics (millwrights) trade. They may problem solve by fabricating or adapting parts from other machines when parts needed are not available for maintenance and repairs. They may choose among refurbish, repair and replacement options for worn and defective parts such as hoses, motors, valves and bushings. They take into consideration factors such as maintenance guidelines, performance and test results, safety, efficiency and durability of replacement parts. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) evaluate conditions of parts and equipment, and the safety of their work environment. They may assess feasibility of designs for small modifications to equipment, ensuring that designs meet technical specifications, performance requirements and jurisdictional regulations.
Digital Technology
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may use databases to perform queries on maintenance history, regulatory items and procedures. They may also enter data from completed work orders in a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). They may use programs to aid in the adjustment of drawings with computer-assisted design (CAD) software and to control and monitor operation of manufacturing and machining equipment. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) use hand-held computerized alignment, leveling and vibration measurement tools. They may use word processing software to write, edit and format texts such as incident reports and maintenance procedures. They may access work orders, asset information and documents on tablets, phones and other electronic devices.
Working with Others
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) are required to work independently, with other industrial mechanics (millwrights) other tradespeople and personnel from other departments and jurisdictional organisations depending on the scope of the work.
Continuous Learning
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) read manuals and trade related documents to stay up to date on developments in their trade. They also attend training sessions (online or classroom-based) on new technologies, equipment and safety procedures. In addition, they learn informally by exchanging information with co-workers and suppliers.