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
Painters and decorators read a variety of safety-related documentation such as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to understand the safety and PPE requirements when using a particular material or substance. They read Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) regulations, and site health and safety policies and procedures. Job site analyses are used to determine the procedures and tasks to follow for all hazardous situations. Painters and decorators read product data sheets (PDS) to find information about products such as specifications and instructions. They also read labels on equipment as well as the instructions for their use. This is important when troubleshooting, or when setting up or using a piece of equipment for the first time to ensure safe and efficient use of the equipment.
Document Use
Painters and decorators interpret and refer to specifications and drawings (paper and electronic formats) to determine the type of paints and coatings to be applied and to which areas. They read assembly drawings and make sketches of items to be built such as containment structures. They refer to tables and charts to determine exposure limits to different chemicals and to select appropriate PPE. They refer to equipment manufacturers’ instructions to select equipment and ensure it is assembled correctly. They refer to room finish schedules in the drawings to determine what products, colours and wall coverings are applied to specific surfaces. They also complete time sheets and record quality control information, both manually and electronically, for accurate record-keeping. Information recorded includes batch numbers, temperatures and drying times.
Writing
Painters and decorators complete work orders, job safety analyses, material lists and time sheets. They may write a list of tasks to be performed. They may also sign for materials received.
Oral Communication
Painters and decorators talk with co-workers, supervisors, and other tradespeople to coordinate activities or to clarify procedures. They use communication skills to convey information with supervisors and co-workers, to coordinate activities and clarify new procedures, to instruct apprentices, and to participate in project meetings. They advise customers on selection of colour schemes and wall covering selections. Painters and decorators working in industrial settings use hand signals and/or two way radios to communicate with crane operators and other tradespeople.
Numeracy
Painters and decorators estimate mix ratios and measure out quantities of paints, thinners, solvents and coatings. They estimate the amount of time, cost and material required to complete a job. They also estimate and calculate measurements such as square and linear footage, coverage and cubic feet per minute (CFM). They calculate the weight of material that can safely be supported on swing stages and platforms. Painters and decorators also use both the metric and imperial measurement systems and therefore must be able to convert between the two systems.
Thinking
Painters and decorators use problem-solving skills to address issues that may arise on the job such as colour mismatches, defects in finishes, or to troubleshoot problems with equipment and PPE. They use decision-making skills to decide on the types of materials and application methods to use on a job, and to determine how to approach the job. They plan time and safety considerations, including hazard assessments, reviewing SDS information about materials and chemicals that may be encountered on site. They plan the materials, PPE and equipment they need for a job and schedule tasks to meet the needs of other trades on site.
Working with Others
Painters and decorators usually work as part of a team that may include apprentices, other journeypersons, and supervisors although they may work alone on some specific tasks or jobs. They coordinate with other trades to achieve tasks. Painters and decorators may perform supervisory functions and guide or monitor the work performance of co-workers, including apprentices and new employees.
Digital Technology
Painters and decorators may use the Internet to look up product and safety information. They may use electronic devices (smart phones/tablets) for accessing drawings and specifications, colour matching, designing graphics and completing reports in work and safety logs.
Continuous Learning
Painters and decorators learn through on-the-job training and observation of co-workers. They may keep up on their product knowledge by talking with suppliers or reading product/equipment information pamphlets or other literature. They may attend upgrading courses when entering a new area of specialization. Painters and decorators may also attend training sessions provided by manufacturers of new or specialty products and by union, association and employer training providers.