Skills for Success (Essential Skills) Summary
Skills for Success are needed in a quickly changing world for work, learning and life. They are foundational for building other skills and important for effective social interaction. Everyone benefits from having these skills as they help individuals get a job, progress at their current job and change jobs. They also help individuals become active members of their community and succeed in learning.
Through extensive research and consultations, the Government of Canada launched the new Skills for Success model renewing the previous Essential Skills framework to better reflect the needs of the current and future labour market.
The summary presented here is based on existing Essential Skills profiles and will be updated to align with the new Skills for Success model over time.
Reading
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) read texts such as short descriptions and directions on labels for products. They read bulletins, manuals, work orders, reports and procedures when installing, operating, diagnosing, maintaining and repairing equipment. They also read emails and memos from supervisors, co-workers and suppliers about ongoing work.
Document Use
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) scan and locate data on labels, lists, tables and schedules. They may interpret graphs when monitoring equipment operation. They interpret or review schematics and engineered drawings of systems (pneumatic, mechanical, electrical, structural and hydraulic) to identify malfunctions. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may also retrieve and study data from scale drawings to identify the location of equipment to be installed and verify location. They monitor and update apprentice evaluation and progress books. They also complete forms such as purchase orders, maintenance forms, logbooks and work orders.
Writing
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) maintain various trade-related documentation such as logbooks, forms, incident reports and drawings. They may write maintenance, repair and safe work procedures. They may also write emails to supervisors and co-workers about ongoing work, and to suppliers about equipment specifications.
Oral Communication
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) talk to suppliers, engineers and contractors about equipment specifications and access, orders, delivery and service times. They discuss work orders, equipment malfunctions and job task coordination with co-workers. They inform supervisors about work progress and may seek guidance and approval from them. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may discuss work with clients and advise them about maintenance actions. They also discuss safety, productivity, and procedural and policy changes at meetings with co-workers, supervisors, engineers and clients. Communication with other tradespeople and personnel from other departments is also important.
Numeracy
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) measure various physical properties of equipment. Calculations are required in multiple aspects of the industrial mechanics (millwrights) trade, such as for pneumatic, mechanical, structural and hydraulic systems. They calculate distances, totals, maximums, minimums, tolerances, fits and quantities required. They also calculate loads, capacities, speeds, feeds and dimensions for mechanical components and systems. They perform calculations in order to adjust, level and align equipment according to specifications, and for diagnosing process variables. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) estimate weights and forces appropriate for rigging, hoisting/lifting and moving equipment and procedures.
Thinking
Thinking skills are critical to the industrial mechanics (millwrights) trade. They may problem solve by fabricating or adapting parts from other machines. They may choose among refurbish, repair and replacement options for worn and defective parts such as hoses, motors, valves and bushings. They take into consideration factors such as maintenance guidelines, performance and test results, safety, efficiency, durability and availability of replacement parts. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) evaluate conditions of parts and equipment, and the safety of their work environment. They may assess the feasibility of designs for small modifications to equipment, ensuring that designs meet technical specifications, performance requirements and regulations.
Working with Others
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may be required to work independently or with colleagues, personnel from other departments and jurisdictional organizations depending on the scope of the work. They actively participate with apprentice training and progression on the job.
Digital Technology
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) may use databases to perform queries on maintenance history, regulatory items and procedures. They may also enter data from completed work orders in a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). They may use programs to aid in the adjustment of drawings with computer-assisted design (CAD) software and to control and monitor the operation of manufacturing and machining equipment. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) use hand-held computerized alignment, levelling and vibration measurement tools. They may use word processing software to write, edit and format texts such as incident reports and maintenance procedures. They may access work orders, asset information and documents on tablets, phones and other electronic devices.
Continuous Learning
Industrial mechanics (millwrights) read manuals and trade-related documents to stay up to date on developments in their trade. They also attend training sessions (online or classroom-based) on new technologies, equipment and safety procedures. In addition, they learn informally by exchanging information with co-workers and suppliers.