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
Sprinkler fitters read texts such as short descriptions and directions on labels for products. They read bulletins, manuals, work orders, reports and procedures when installing, operating, diagnosing, maintaining, inspecting and repairing equipment. They also read emails and memos from supervisors, co-workers and suppliers about ongoing work.
Document Use
Sprinkler fitters scan and locate data on labels, lists, tables and schedules. They reference applicable codes such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and National Building Code (NBC).They may interpret graphs when monitoring equipment operation. They interpret or review schematics and engineered drawings of systems (pneumatic, mechanical, electrical, structural and hydraulic) to identify malfunctions. Sprinkler fitters may also retrieve and study data from scale drawings to identify and verify the location of equipment to be installed. They also complete forms such as test certificates, safety documents, purchase orders, inspection reports, maintenance forms, logbooks, time sheets and work orders.
Writing
Sprinkler fitters write brief text entries in logbooks and in forms. They may write maintenance, repair and safe work procedures. Sprinkler fitters write emails to supervisors and co-workers about ongoing work, and suppliers about equipment specifications. They also write incident reports and update drawings as required.
Oral Communication
Sprinkler fitters talk to suppliers, engineers, contractors, co-workers, supervisors, other tradespersons and clients and members of the public about equipment specifications, access, orders, and delivery and service times. They discuss work orders, equipment malfunctions and job task coordination with co-workers. They also discuss safety, productivity, and procedural and policy changes at meetings with co-workers, supervisors, engineers and clients.
Numeracy
Sprinkler fitters measure various physical properties of equipment. Calculations are required in multiple aspects of the sprinkler fitter trade, such as pneumatic, mechanical, structural and hydraulic systems. They calculate distances, totals, maximums, minimums, tolerances, fits and quantities required. They may calculate loads, capacities, speeds, velocities, flows and dimensions for mechanical components and systems. They perform calculations in order to adjust, level and align equipment according to specifications, and for diagnosing process variables. Sprinkler fitters assess weights and distances appropriate for rigging, hoisting, lifting and moving equipment.
Thinking
Thinking skills are critical to the sprinkler fitter trade. They need the ability to adapt on a day to-day basis to site conditions, design, fabrication and installation issues, safety concerns, performance and productivity goals. They may assess the feasibility of designs for small modifications to fire protection systems, ensuring that designs meet technical specifications, performance requirements and jurisdictional regulations. Sprinkler fitters also troubleshoot fire protection systems to determine service requirements.
Digital Technology
Sprinkler fitters may use databases to perform queries on maintenance history, regulatory items and procedures. They may also enter data from completed work orders in a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). They may use programs to aid in the adjustment of drawings with computer-assisted design (CAD) and building information modelling (BIM) software. Sprinkler fitters use hand-held computerized alignment and levelling measurement tools. They may use word processing software to write, edit and format texts such as incident reports and maintenance procedures. They may access work orders, asset information and documents on tablets, phones and other electronic devices.
Working with Others
Sprinkler fitters are required to work independently, with other sprinkler fitters, other tradespeople and personnel from other departments and jurisdictional organizations depending on the scope of the work.
Continuous Learning
Sprinkler fitters read manuals and trade-related documents to stay up to date on developments in their trade. They also attend training sessions (online or classroom-based) on new technologies, equipment and safety procedures. In addition, they learn informally by exchanging information with co-workers and suppliers.