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

  Motorcycle technicians use reading skills to understand documents such as work orders, service manuals, training materials and service bulletins. They read regulations governing road worthiness, noise and emission standards of motorcycles and scooters.

• Document use

  Documents that motorcycle technicians work with include work orders, job estimates, inspection checklists, parts requisitions, real-time diagnostic charts, installation and service manuals. They also consult and study a variety of graphs, charts and technical drawings such as assembly, schematic and cut-away drawings.

• Writing

  Motorcycle technicians write brief notes and descriptions. They may write notes to keep records of their observations and recommendations for themselves, others and clients. Many records are input through the computer keyboard but legible writing skills are a definite asset.

• Oral communication

  Motorcycle technicians use oral communication skills to discuss job details with colleagues, apprentices, suppliers and clients.

• Numeracy

  Motorcycle technicians use numeracy skills to compare and calculate serviceability of components, measurements of dimensions, revolutions per minute, speed, horsepower and torque. They estimate the effects that repairs and modifications will have on engine performance. They may calculate labour time to prepare repair quotes and invoices.

• Thinking

  Motorcycle technicians use problem-solving skills to determine customer requirements, and to explain the actions and repair procedures. Motorcycle technicians use decision-making skills to select the order of service and to select tools, parts and procedures needed to carry out the tasks. They use critical thinking skills to determine causes of failures, defects and deficiencies.

• Working with others

  Motorcycle technicians mostly work independently but coordinate their work with parts technicians and suppliers. They may provide advice and assistance to other technicians. They may also assist in mentoring apprentices.

• Digital technology

  Motorcycle technicians use databases to access details of customers’ information and specifics of previously completed work. They use communications software such as email to exchange information with suppliers, manufacturers, colleagues and other motorcycle repair shops. They use diagnostic equipment that runs software applications. They also use the Internet to access specifications, technical service bulletins, recall notices, and service and instruction manuals.

• Continuous learning

  Motorcycle technicians are required to keep up-to-date with technological advancements and legislation governing safety inspections and emissions. They may attend training to be certified repairers of specific motorcycles. They also learn from each other, by talking to colleagues, suppliers, service managers and by reading industry literature and repair manuals. Online training is also a necessary way for motorcycle technicians to learn about new products, procedures and skills.