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

  Steamfitters/Pipefitters require strong reading skills to refer to and interpret manufacturers’ manuals and instructions including diagrams, charts and graphs. They also need to consult multiple professional codes and regulations concerning industry standards and safety requirements.

• Document Use

  Steamfitters/Pipefitters must be comfortable in document use to interpret work schedules. They consult reference manuals on measurement, materials and pipe sizing, pressures and mathematical formulas for calculations. They interpret information from mechanical drawings, schematic diagrams and architectural plans to ensure proper installation of piping. They also use quality control documentation and job specifications which records information such as heat numbers, weld mapping and material identification.

• Writing

  Writing skills are used by steamfitters/pipefitters to write lists of materials and fittings needed for a job, complete forms to request materials and keep daily logs to record measurements and reminders. When required, they must write incident or accident reports.

• Oral Communication

  Steamfitters/Pipefitters require good oral communication skills to interact with colleagues, supervisors and other tradespersons when co-ordinating work, resolving problems and ensuring safety. They interact with apprentices to provide mentorship and speak with vendors to order materials.

• Numeracy

  Numeracy skills are very important in the everyday work of steamfitters/pipefitters. They frequently take or calculate measurements of temperature, pressure and volume. They verify conformity with manufacturers’ recommendations, specifications, and operating practices. The work requires a strong understanding of mathematical calculations and trigonometry. The ability to estimate the quantity of piping material required and to convert between imperial and metric systems of measurement is also important.

• Thinking

  Steamfitters/Pipefitters identify the steps and develop a plan to accomplish a task and coordinate the work. They must decide how to configure and relocate pipes. The ability to problem solve during testing or when a pipe or system failure is encountered is important. Decision making is important when considering job safety and risk prevention. Steamfitters/Pipefitters must also be able to find information they need in multiple sources such as blueprints, code documents, reference manuals and product catalogues. They must also be able to estimate a working cost for the project based on job specifications and drawings

• Working with Others

  Steamfitters/Pipefitters liaise with supervisors, site inspectors, consultants, health and safety inspectors, colleagues and other trades to coordinate multiple tasks. They may work with trades such as welders, crane operators, pipe insulators and electricians. They supervise others and mentor apprentices, offering both practical training and safety information. Additionally, the conduct, behaviour, appearance and attitude of a steamfitter/pipefitter are essential to the success of a job or project.

• Digital Technology

  Steamfitters/Pipefitters may use communications software for e-mail or use the Internet to look up material and trade-related information, to order materials online or to access training. They may use a spreadsheet to keep track of the status of materials ordered. They may also use CAD software to input measurements taken on the job site, to generate drawings and for referencing purposes. The use of digital equipment for the trade such as smart phones, laser and digital layout equipment such as total station, BIM and GPS technology is increasingly important for trade activities.

• Continuous Learning

  Steamfitters/Pipefitters may pursue refresher courses or specialty certifications and attend supplier seminars. Continuous learning is essential as they must keep up-to-date with the regulatory requirements and the various codes that are periodically revised. Also, they must keep abreast of technological advances in their field to select the most appropriate equipment, tools and materials and be able to perform a proper installation.

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