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.
The application of these skills may be described throughout this document within the skills and knowledge which support each sub-task of the trade. The following are summaries of the requirements in each of the essential skills, taken from the essential skills profile.
Reading
Agricultural equipment technicians read documents such as service bulletins, instruction and service manuals, brochures, pamphlets and work orders to diagnose problems, determine repairs and determine operation of machinery. They may also read farm periodicals to broaden their agricultural knowledge. They read safety-related information such as safety data sheets (SDS) to learn how to safely handle hazardous materials.
Document Use
Documents that agricultural equipment technicians work with include work orders, checklists and service manuals. They also consult and interpret a variety of graphs, charts and technical drawings such as tables, sketches and schematics.
Writing
Agricultural equipment technicians write detailed notes and descriptions about jobs. They must write detailed notes to keep records of their observations and recommendations for themselves, manufacturers, colleagues and clients.
Oral Communication
Agricultural equipment technicians use oral communication skills to discuss job details with colleagues, apprentices, manufacturers and clients. They need the ability to translate technical information to common terms. They may also instruct and instill understanding and knowledge of equipment to clients when assisting in setting up new machines.
Numeracy
Agricultural equipment technicians use numeracy skills to take a variety of measurements such as tolerances, differential pressures and rates of flow. They also calculate perimeters, volumes and areas. They may estimate and calculate labour time to prepare repair quotes and invoices.
Thinking
Problem solving skills are used by agricultural equipment technicians to diagnose the cause of problems. Agricultural equipment technicians use decision-making skills to decide the course of action to recommend after identifying the problem. They plan and organize their work in order to accomplish their tasks efficiently.
Working with Others
Agricultural equipment technicians mostly work independently but they may seek advice and assistance from other technicians. At farm sites, they work in close communication with the client.
Digital Technology
Agricultural equipment technicians use databases to access customer information, specifics of previously completed work and details on parts information and prices. They use digital communication tools to exchange information with manufacturers, colleagues and clients. They use diagnostic equipment that runs software applications and codes to determine operational data. Technicians use digital devices to connect to service information, diagnose machine faults, download software to program machines, communicate with manufacturers technical support channels in a repair facility or remotely to a customers’ piece of equipment.
Continuous Learning
Agricultural equipment technicians learn by talking to colleagues, manufacturers and service managers and by reading trade specific publications, operator manuals and repair manuals. They read bulletins about new products and specific problems. They participate in in-house and online presentations or training from manufacturers. They also continuously learn through a variety of work experiences.