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

  Recreation vehicle service technicians read labels on products and decals on equipment for instructions. They read code books, service bulletins, technical update sheets, work orders and recall notices from manufacturers. They also read service memos, warranty information, emails, texts, and notes from customers describing a problem. Recreation vehicle service technicians also read manuals for training purposes for example, when learning how to repair new or unfamiliar systems, or equipment.

• Document Use

  Recreation vehicle service technicians refer to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for information on how to handle, dispose of or mix products. They refer to code books, charts, checklists and work orders. They also refer to these work orders to determine what repairs need to be done. Recreation vehicle service technicians complete work orders, including information about problems encountered, the cause and how the issues were resolved. They also complete time sheets to record or track tasks done from a number of work orders. Recreation vehicle service technicians may draw or read sketches to clarify steps in a procedure, refer to troubleshooting charts to diagnose a problem, or refer to wiring schematics, assembly diagrams and blueprints when installing equipment. They may also be required to take photos of equipment and service work for recordkeeping purposes.

• Writing

  Recreation vehicle service technicians write notes to themselves, other co-workers and service managers about job details, customer requests or supplies. They enter information in work orders to keep a record of tasks done for warranty purposes. They also write the reasons for recommending a particular procedure. They may also write warranty reports.

• Oral Communication

  Recreation vehicle service technicians call suppliers to obtain information about products. They also talk to other staff to clarify orders, to discuss complex repair problems and to provide explanations of service. They communicate with customers to explain features and to demonstrate proper operation of a system. They also explain and present repair options. This communication is done with tact and respect for customers. Recreation vehicle service technicians may also instruct and direct the work and learning of apprentices in the shop.

• Numeracy

  Recreation vehicle service technicians measure size and location openings for appliances and accessories. They also measure weights, voltage, amperage, resistance and pressures using various tools and equipment such as scales, multimeters and gauges. They develop material lists based on this information. They may also estimate how much time it will take to complete various jobs.

• Thinking

  Recreation vehicle service technicians use problem solving skills to assess problems with the vehicle and its components. They consider information provided to them by the customer to determine causes of a malfunction. They often depend on their experience, knowledge and observations to diagnose and repair problems as service manuals may not cover all possible issues. They may have to design replacement pieces that are no longer available. They also carry out detailed troubleshooting techniques to deal with unexpected problems or unique difficulties, for example when making customized changes to a recreation vehicle, when diagnosing recurring electrical failures or when locating the source of a leak. They research information using service manuals and online resources, contact manufacturers’ technical support lines, or consult with co-workers to help resolve problems. Recreation vehicle service technicians use decision making skills to decide which tools and supplies to use. They also decide what repair or reconstruction to recommend taking into consideration time, cost and safety.

• Working with Others

  Recreation vehicle service technicians work as part of a team which includes other technicians, service managers, salespersons, parts technicians, supervisors and support staff. However, they usually work independently on the particular unit assigned to them. They coordinate tasks with others as necessary and sometimes work with a partner, for example, when installing awnings and construction repair.

• Digital Technology

  Recreation vehicle service technicians may use computer applications. For example, they may use handheld diagnostic tools. They may have access to service and repair information through online resources. They may also use point of sale software.

• Continuous Learning

  Recreation vehicle service technicians learn continuously through hands-on experience with a range of repairs. They learn from co-workers as a first resource. They participate in training courses and access materials provided by manufacturers and suppliers. Recreation vehicle service technicians also consult with their customers who can give the history of their recreation vehicle.