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
Ironworkers (generalist) need to read various texts for their work. They read drawings to know how to cut and place materials. They read instructions for travel to job sites and descriptions of equipment, tools and supplies to take with them. They read notes on jobsite bulletin boards to stay updated on meetings and health and safety issues such as the location of hazardous areas. They read inspection reports to avoid hazards and unsafe conditions. They read notifications from their employers and unions to follow new procedures and standards. They read health and safety policies to know the rules and expectations for their job tasks. They read collective agreements to understand their rights and benefits. They read trade publications, articles and newsletters to learn about training opportunities and new products. They read manufacturer specifications for a variety of reasons including information to properly install and maintain equipment and components.
Document Use
Ironworkers (generalist) use various documents to locate data, complete forms, and review drawings. They use manufacturer specifications to locate information regarding the products, tools and equipment that they work with. They read signs and labels to find material codes, safety hazards and placement coordinates. They use Safety Data Sheets to locate material, hazard, and safety information for the products they work with. They use tables and lists to find information about the weight, size and type of materials and tools required. They fill out forms and checklists to record their hours, inspections, measurements, and incidents. They study assembly drawings to determine sequences and to verify order and size of steel structures. They also read engineered specifications and construction drawings to find dimensions and angles of steel, reinforcing materials and structures.
Writing
Ironworkers (generalist) may write work-related notes to co-workers, job instructions, and brief notes and comments on their daily logbook and drawings. They are responsible for all record-keeping requirements related to their work. They also write descriptions and explanations when completing requests for information and to report non-conformance, safety concerns, incidents or accidents.
Oral Communication
Ironworkers (generalist) participate in toolbox meetings to learn about their tasks, job site safety and special instructions. They speak with supervisors, co-workers, and other trade workers throughout the day to coordinate work locations, installation sequences and techniques, and access to workspaces. They may also give instructions and provide guidance to apprentices and journeypersons on various procedures. They interact daily with ironworkers (generalist), crane operators, other workers and supervisors during hazardous activities, such as connecting, hoisting and installing steel, steel reinforced structures and reinforcing material.
They must communicate clearly to ensure safety and efficiency. They must communicate respectfully to support a healthy workplace.
Numeracy
Ironworkers (generalist) use math skills to measure and calculate various aspects of their work, such as the dimensions, distances, angles, weights of loads and times involved in installing structural steel and reinforcing materials. They also compare their measurements to the specifications to ensure steel columns, bars, beams, and fabricated and reinforced structures are correctly fabricated and installed. They estimate the quantities of supplies they need, the time they will take to complete tasks and the weight of materials they will handle.
Thinking
Ironworkers (generalist) use critical thinking skills to perform diagnostics, trouble-shooting and problem solving tasks. They make decisions about the tools needed, labour requirements, methods and safety of the worksite, based on standard criteria and their own judgment. They evaluate the quality and efficiency of the work by inspecting the site, materials, supplies, equipment and installation sequences. They plan and organize their own tasks according to the assignments and priorities given by their supervisors, and coordinate with other workers on the job site.
Working with Others
Due to the potentially dangerous nature of their work, working with others is a critical skill. Ironworkers (generalist) work in large team situations and with other tradespeople. They must be able to communicate effectively, complete the tasks assigned to them and integrate their work with that of the other trades. They must be mindful of their actions and support a respectful workplace that is safe, inclusive and free of harassment and discrimination.
Digital Technology
It is increasingly important for ironworkers (generalist) to be computer-literate. Ironworkers (generalist) may use digitized programmable equipment such as scientific calculators, digital levels and lasers. They may also use automation equipment (robotics) and computer-controlled equipment such as welding overlays and computer numerical controlled (CNC) cutting machines. Ironworkers (generalist) may use computer-assisted training tools such as on-line programs, simulators, or software packages for quality assurance, and health and safety training. They may also use computer-aided design (CAD) software and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Ironworkers (generalist) may use portable devices such as laptops, tablets and smart phones, along with relevant software for job site documentation.
Continuous Learning
Technical upgrading is offered by companies when new products, procedures and equipment are introduced. Ironworkers (generalist) may take courses on the job, at community colleges, at their local unions, or access on-line programs. However, one of the most practical ways for ironworkers (generalist) to gain new expertise is to learn on the job from more experienced co-workers, mentors or supervisors. It is common for ironworkers (generalist) to also have a welding certification and a post tensioning certification Ironworkers interested in career advancement can access foreman and superintendent training from various sources including local union halls.