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. A link to the complete essential skills profile can be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/essential-skills/profiles.html.
Reading
Transport trailer technicians read instructions on work orders, application or installation instructions, manufacturers’ service bulletins and manuals for troubleshooting and diagnostic information of products and materials. They read information sheets to learn about new products and materials.
Document Use
Transport trailer technicians reference drawings and interpret troubleshooting diagrams and charts to obtain information. They may complete check lists and documentation for inspection certificates.
Writing
Transport trailer technicians write notes on work orders, maintenance sheets and inspection forms. They may write to inform or request information from supervisors, colleagues or different departments. They may fill out maintenance, inspection reports and future recommendations for customers.
Oral Communication
Transport trailer technicians communicate with colleagues, manufacturers and supervisors to discuss and review job and safety requirements. They may speak with customers or drivers to determine their concerns with a trailer. They may advise customers of general trailer conditions and future repair requirements.
Numeracy
Transport trailer technicians measure width, length and distance of components to determine placement of components and ensure proper tension. They measure material to be cut. They calculate areas to be refitted with panels. They take measurements to ensure that axles are adjusted or that tire treads meet specifications.
Thinking
Transport trailer technicians use problem solving skills to diagnose the source of the trailer breakdowns and to estimate time required to complete a job. Decision-making skills are required for determining the type of equipment, parts, materials and procedures best suited for the job.
Transport trailer technicians require job task planning skills to determine task sequencing or prioritization of tasks. They organize their tools and the parts required at the beginning of each job. Transport trailer technicians find information by accessing WHMIS and other safety information. They consult repair manuals or inspection manuals for information about requirements and procedures.
Working with Others
Transport trailer technicians spend most of their time working independently but work with others depending on the job requirements.
Digital Technology
Transport trailer technicians may use mobile devices to complete tasks such as completing work orders. They may communicate by email with co-workers, supervisors, suppliers and manufacturers. They may use the internet to access online manuals, training courses, seminars and articles by suppliers or manufacturers.
Transport trailer technicians use diagnostic equipment that runs software applications and codes to determine operational data. Technicians use digital devices to connect to service information, diagnose faults, download software to program machines, and communicate with manufacturers’ technical support channels in a repair facility or remotely to a customers’ piece of equipment.
Continuous Learning
Transport trailer technicians are continuously learning to keep up with the changes in the industry. They may attend manufacturers’ or suppliers’ seminars.