workplace essential skills

the 9 essential skills needed for work, learning and life are:

1. Reading Text: Reading material that is in the form of sentences or paragraphs.
2. Document Use: Graphs, lists, tables, blueprints, schematics, drawings, signs and labels are documents used in the world of work.
3. Numeracy: Workers' use of numbers and their being required to think in quantitative terms.
4. Writing: Writing text and writing in documents (filling in forms) and non-paper-based writing (for example, typing on a computer).
5. Oral Communications: The use of speech to give and exchange thoughts and information by workers in an occupational group.
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: The requirement for workers in an occupational group to participate in an ongoing process of acquiring skills and knowledge.
8. Thinking Skills: Problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, job task planning and organizing, significant use of memory, and finding information.
9. Computer Use: The variety and complexity of computer use within the occupational group.

who benefits from essential skills?

Employers can utilize Essential Skills to:

• Improve safety and productivity
• Enhance employees ability to adjust to workplace change and increase morale
• Create better Human Resource tools; e.g. Job descriptions, training plans
• Create a culture of continuous learning

individuals can utilize essential skills to:

• Assess and develop their skills
• Increase their potential for career advancement and better pay
• Boost their self-confidence and self-esteem
• Better understand the skills and training required for specific jobs
• Be better prepared to go on to post-secondary training if required.

how can parkland college help?

• Provide individual and group essential skill assessments (T.O.W.E.S.) in the areas of Reading, Document Use and Numeracy.
• Assist Employers with training plans
• Assist Employers with Succession planning
• Encourage an environment of continuous learning.
• Assist employers with job descriptions and hiring processes.

Click here to download the Essential Skills Booklet - An Employer Guide to Essential Skills

links to other websites:

Essential Skills, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Towes

for more information please contact:

Gail Gorchynski, Counsellor
306-786-2597