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
Sprinkler fitters read texts such as short descriptions, warnings and directions on labels for products. They read codes, standards, regulations, specifications, bulletins, manuals, work orders, reports, documents and procedures when installing, testing, servicing, operating, diagnosing, maintaining, inspecting and repairing equipment. They also read emails, texts and memos from supervisors, co-workers and suppliers about ongoing work.
Document Use
Sprinkler fitters scan and locate data on labels, lists, tables and schedules. They reference codes, standards and regulations such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and National Building Code (NBC). They may interpret graphs and data when monitoring equipment operation. They interpret or review schematics and engineered drawings of systems (mechanical, electrical, structural, pneumatic and hydraulic). Sprinkler fitters may also retrieve and study data from various scaled drawings to identify and verify the location of equipment to be installed. They also complete forms such as test certificates, safety documents, purchase orders, inspection reports, maintenance forms, apprentice evaluation and progress books, logbooks, time sheets and work orders.
Writing
Sprinkler fitters write brief text entries in logbooks and in forms. They may write maintenance, repair and safe work procedures. Sprinkler fitters write emails to clients, supervisors, co-workers and suppliers. They also make entries in apprentices logbooks for the apprenticeship program, write incident reports and update drawings.
Oral Communication
Sprinkler fitters talk to suppliers, engineers, contractors, co-workers, supervisors, other tradespeople, clients and members of the public about equipment specifications, access, orders, and delivery and service times. They discuss work orders, equipment troubleshooting and job task coordination with co-workers and other tradespeople. They also discuss safety, productivity, and procedural and policy changes at meetings with co-workers, supervisors, engineers and clients.
Numeracy
Sprinkler fitters measure various physical properties. Calculations are required in multiple aspects of the sprinkler fitter trade, such as pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical and structural systems. They calculate distances, totals, maximums, minimums, tolerances, clearances and quantities required. They may calculate loads, weight, volume, capacities, speeds, velocities, flows 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. Sprinkler fitters assess weights and distances appropriate for rigging, hoisting, lifting and moving equipment.
Thinking
Thinking skills are critical to the sprinkler fitter trade. They need the ability to adapt on a day-to-day basis to site conditions, design, fabrication and installation issues, safety concerns, performance and productivity goals. They may assess the feasibility of designs for small modifications to fire protection systems, ensuring that designs meet technical specifications, performance requirements and jurisdictional regulations. Sprinkler fitters also troubleshoot fire protection systems.
Working with Others
Sprinkler fitters are required to work independently, with other sprinkler fitters, other tradespeople, personnel from other departments and authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) depending on the scope of the work. They actively participate with apprentice training and progression on the job.
Digital Technology
Sprinkler fitters 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) and BIM software. Sprinkler fitters use hand-held computerized alignment and levelling 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
Sprinkler fitters 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 communicating with co-workers and suppliers.