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 at: Skills for Success – Assessment and training tools.

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

  Sheet metal workers require reading skills to gather information from forms and labels. They also need to read to understand more complex texts such as equipment and policy and procedure manuals, specifications, codes and standards. They also refer to project specifications and work orders when planning a job.

• Document Use

  Document use is a significant essential skill for this trade. Sheet metal workers need to be able to locate and interpret information in several types of documents such as labels, signs, forms, lists, tables, technical drawings and schematics. They also need to create documents such as orthographic projections, sketches and work forms.

• Writing

  Writing skills are used by sheet metal workers to write short texts, usually less than one paragraph. Some examples of written work include safety documentation, logbook entries, invoices, inventory lists, takeoffs, bids, forms and summaries of work projects.

• Oral Communication

  Some tasks performed by sheet metal workers require oral communication skills, including discussing project requirements with suppliers, discussing specifications and plans with co-workers, supervisors and general contractors, and supervising and directing the work of apprentices. Sheet metal workers may explain the fabrication, construction, installation and repair procedures to customers as well.

• Numeracy

  Numeracy skills are extremely important in the everyday work of sheet metal workers. Substantial mathematical skills are used in taking measurements, doing material layout, using formulas and performing trade calculations such as heat loss/gain, air flows, capacities and air pressures. Numeracy is used significantly in system design. Sheet metal workers may create project timelines, calculating time requirements for tasks in the project. They may also calculate amounts for supplies, estimates and overall costs.

• Thinking

  Sheet metal workers solve problems in situations where work may be delayed due to equipment breakdowns, shortages in materials and work of other trades. They may perform modifications to project designs to correct flaws. They need the ability to think spatially and visualize in three dimensions. Problem-solving and thinking sequentially are important skills in fabrication and installation activities. Sheet metal workers need to be able to plan their work and organize tasks and materials.

• Working with Others

  Sheet metal workers coordinate job tasks and share workspace and equipment with groups of co‑workers and colleagues. Those working in fabrication shops may work alone on small projects, and also work as members of a team on larger projects. During installation work, tasks must be coordinated with other tradespersons such as crane operators, carpenters, drywall finishers, plasterers, bricklayers, plumbers and electricians.

• Digital Technology

  Sheet metal workers may use computers and computer-assisted design (CAD) and building information modelling (BIM) software in their work. They may also use computers to perform word processing and electronic communication devices to communicate with others, record job changes and daily activities, track job progress, order materials and perform Internet research. Increasingly sheet metal workers are required to have digital skills when performing daily tasks which may require the use of numerically controlled equipment and electronic devices.

• Continuous Learning

  Sheet metal workers are required to stay current with new technology, trends and product developments as well as changes in fabrication, installation and production processes. They also need to stay updated on codes and trade standards.

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