Essential SkillsNine skills needed for work, learning and life

Essential skills?

They provide the foundation for learning all other skills

Enable people to evolve with their jobs Adapt to workplace change.

1. Reading Text Refers to reading material that is in the

form of sentences or paragraphs. Generally involves reading notes, letters,

memos, manuals, specifications, regulations, books, reports or journals.

Reading Text includes: Forms and labels if they contain at least

one paragraph Print and non-print media (for example,

texts on computer screens and microfiche) Paragraph-length text in charts, tables and

graphs

2. Document Use

Refers to tasks that involve a variety of information displays - words, numbers, and other visual characteristics

Print and non-print media (for example, computer screen or microfiche documents, equipment gauges, clocks and flags)

2. Document Use

Reading/interpreting and writing/completing/producing of documents

3. Numeracy

Refers to the workers' use of numbers and their being required to think in quantitative terms.

4. Writing

Writing texts and writing in documents (for example, filling in forms)

Non-paper-based writing (for example, typing on a computer)

5. Oral Communication

Pertains primarily to the use of speech to give and exchange thoughts and information 

6. Working With Others

The extent to which employees work with others to carry out their tasks.

Do they have to work co-operatively with others?

Do they have to have the self-discipline to meet work targets while working alone?

7. Continuous Learning

More and more jobs require continuous upgrading

All workers must continue learning in order to keep or to grow with their jobs.

The following will become essential skills:

a. knowing how to learn

7. Continuous Learning

b. understanding one's own learning style; and

c. knowing how to gain access to a variety of materials, resources and learning opportunities.

8. Thinking Skills

Critical thinking Problem solving Creative thinking Decision making Analytical thinking

9. Computer Use

A variety of computer skills depending on the occupation

References

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. http://srv108.services.gc.ca/english/general/ES_Profiles_e.shtml (September 12, 2007)

Kizlik, Bob. Thinking Skills Vocabulary and Definitions. http://www.adprima.com/thinkskl.htm (September 12, 2007)