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
Truck and transport mechanics read a variety of paper-based and electronic documents for troubleshooting and servicing, including manufacturers’ instructions, technical service bulletins and operating procedures. They read and interpret government regulations that specify vehicle inspection procedures and roadworthiness requirements of trucks and transports. They locate information on labels such as part numbers and serial numbers.
Document Use
Truck and transport mechanics interpret technical drawings and flow charts to understand and troubleshoot systems. They study graphed data generated by diagnostic equipment to locate information such as duration, speed and revolutions per minute. Truck and transport mechanics also complete a variety of forms including truck inspection forms. Documents that are used are both paper and electronic formats. Being able to navigate and locate information in various reference material is an important skill.
Writing
Truck and transport mechanics write remarks on the complaint/issue, the cause of a problem and the work completed to correct a problem. They may leave reminder notes for co-workers including warnings about defective equipment. Truck and transport mechanics complete pre-job safety checklists. They may also write reports for insurance claims or to report workplace accidents.
Oral Communication
Truck and transport mechanics exchange technical repair and troubleshooting information with apprentices, co-workers and manufacturers. They speak with service managers about topics such as work assignments, repair procedures and the condition of tools and equipment. They may speak with customers to respond to questions, gather information about a problem to be fixed or explain the results of inspections and repairs.
Numeracy
Truck and transport mechanics analyze and compare a variety of measurements such as energy, dimension, speed, horsepower, temperature and torque to specifications. They calculate the effect that modifications have on vehicle performance. They may use some measurements to determine approximate service life of components.
Thinking
Truck and transport mechanics evaluate the severity of vehicle defects, assess the conditions of parts and decide what repairs or replacements are to be done. They decide on the most efficient course and sequence of actions to complete a job and ensure the vehicle is safe for operation. An understanding of systems is important in completing the work. Truck and transport mechanics coordinate their work with co-workers if needed.
Working with Others
Truck and transport mechanics may work independently or with others. They are part of a team which includes other mechanics, service managers and parts and warehouse personnel.
Digital Technology
Truck and transport mechanics use diagnostic equipment such as scan tools and analyzers to determine the operational condition of components. They use computer equipment to complete repairs, download data from on-board computers and monitor systems. They may use databases to retrieve repair information and technical drawings or to input information about repairs. Truck and transport mechanics use the Internet to access online manuals, technical service bulletins and recall notices. They also use computers for daily tasks which may include e-mail, file management and using fleet management software.
Continuous Learning
Truck and transport mechanics are continuously learning to keep up with the changes in the industry. They may participate in training seminars to learn about new equipment and how to troubleshoot and perform repairs effectively.