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.
The 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 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
Automotive refinishing technicians read repair orders (work orders and estimates), labels, application or installation instructions, technical data sheets (TDS), manufacturers’ service bulletins and manuals for safe use and storage of paints, solvents and equipment. They also read trade publications to learn about new technologies, products and materials.
Document Use
Automotive refinishing technicians reference safety or hazard icons to obtain information on a product’s toxicity. They read forms and tables to determine product specifications such as temperatures, humidity, drying times and ratios. Automotive refinishing technicians also use colour chips, vehicle information, tinting charts and technology to determine colour variant to achieve a blend-able match. They use safety and environmental documentation such as safety data sheets (SDS), VOC and isocyanates logs, maintenance logs, and TDS. They track and log colour libraries. They use business-related documentation such as: time sheets, repair orders (work orders), production schedules and pre-delivery checklists.
Writing
Automotive refinishing technicians write notes on repair orders (work orders) and forms to describe previous damage, work that was carried out and any irregularities. Automotive refinishing technicians may write reports describing workplace accidents and note information for the colour library, chemical tracking and equipment logs. They may prepare lists for ordering inventory.
Oral Communication
Automotive refinishing technicians communicate with colleagues and customers about the scope of work and work completed. They explain procedures to apprentices and estimators. Automotive refinishing technicians need to communicate with suppliers and manufacturer representatives.
Numeracy
Automotive refinishing technicians monitor temperatures, humidity and pressure levels. They calculate quantities of materials needed and mix refinishing materials based on weight, volume, ratios and formulas. Automotive refinishing technicians may also estimate time required to complete painting tasks including force-drying calculations.
Thinking
Automotive refinishing technicians use analytical and problem solving skills to determine appropriate solutions to refinishing issues such as surface imperfections, contamination, production problems and equipment problems. Automotive refinishing technicians make decisions about which products to use to create the desired finish. They use organizational skills to enhance production schedule and maintain work flow.
Working with others
Automotive refinishing technicians spend most of their time working independently but they are required to coordinate activities with colleagues from body repair, detailing, vehicle preparation and office staff to maintain production schedule. They may also work directly with colleagues to help them with vehicle preparation duties.
Digital Technology
Automotive refinishing technicians may use digital tools and equipment to measure temperature, humidity, air pressure and paint thickness. They may also use digital devices to determine paint colours and codes. Automotive refinishing technicians may use computer software to retrieve paint formulas and access instructions for selecting and mixing appropriate refinishing materials. Workplace records and technical and safety information may be recorded and accessed using computers.
Continuous Learning
Automotive refinishing technicians are continuously learning to keep up with the changes in the industry in relation to products, vehicles and equipment. They may attend manufacturers’ or suppliers’ seminars to become a certified user of their products. Some jurisdictions require automotive refinishing technicians to participate in continuous learning.