Essential skills self-assessment for the trades
Strong essential skills are required for success in apprenticeship training and for a career in the trades. Complete this self-assessment to learn about your esential skills strengths and areas for improvement. This self-assessment includes statements that describe common trades-related tasks for the nine essential skills.
Instructions:
- Read each statement and place a check mark in the column that best describes your ability to complete the task. Think about work and life experiences when considering your response to each statement.
- Review your responses. A skill with five or more check marks in the Somewhat and/or No columns indicates an area you should consider improving.
- Record your results in the Skills Summary section to gain a better understanding of your training needs.
Reading
Understanding materials written in sentences or paragraphs (e.g. reports, contracts and manuals).
I am confident in my ability to… | Yes | Somewhat | No |
---|---|---|---|
Read and follow directions on products or labels. | |||
Read and understand emails, memos or letters. | |||
Read a catalogue to learn basic product information. | |||
Read several short documents, such as newsletters, brochures or magazine articles to find information. | |||
Read and understand formal documents, such as service contracts and incident reports. | |||
Read and follow directions in equipment manuals, installation guides or work orders. | |||
Read handbooks and manuals to find information. | |||
Read policies or procedures when handling a problem at work. | |||
Read a variety of documents to compare information, such as product specifications. | |||
Read and interpret regulations to comply with standards. | |||
Total |
Document use
Finding, understanding or entering information (e.g. text, symbols, numbers) in various types of documents, such as tables or forms.
I am confident in my ability to… | Yes | Somewhat | No |
---|---|---|---|
Understand signs or symbols, such as safety signs. | |||
Understand labels, such as shipping or hazardous materials labels (e.g. WHMIS). | |||
Create short lists, such as material lists. | |||
Find information in a document. | |||
Enter information into forms, such as order forms or building permits. | |||
Understand graphs, tables or charts, such as production reports or load charts. | |||
Enter information into graphs, tables or charts, such as work schedules or invoices. | |||
Create diagrams to explain how something works. | |||
Compare information from a variety of documents. | |||
Understand drawings or sketches, such as maps, schematics or blueprints. | |||
Create drawings or sketches, such as scale drawings. | |||
Total |
Numeracy
Using numbers and thinking in quantitative terms to complete tasks.
I am confident in my ability to… | Yes | Somewhat | No |
---|---|---|---|
Perform one-step calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. | |||
Perform multi-step calculations and calculations using percentages, fractions, decimals or ratios. | |||
Convert numbers from one unit of measurement to another (e.g. metric to imperial). | |||
Plan or monitor schedules, budgets or inventories. | |||
Take precise measurements, such as length or temperature. | |||
Calculate the dimensions, area or volume of different shapes. | |||
Analyze or compare numerical data to identify trends or compile statistics. | |||
Estimate unknown values, such as time, distance, volume or quantity. | |||
Calculate ratios and proportions (e.g. determine actual measurements using scale drawings). | |||
Perform calculations using geometry (e.g. calculate slopes or elevation). | |||
Total |
Writing
Communicating by arranging words, numbers and symbols on paper or a computer screen.
I am confident in my ability to… | Yes | Somewhat | No |
---|---|---|---|
Record information, such as telephone messages or tasks to be completed. | |||
Use correct grammar and spelling. | |||
Write to inform or request information. | |||
Tailor writing for a specific audience, such as a foreperson or a supplier. | |||
Express my opinions in writing. | |||
Write brief notes, such as log entries or reminder notes. | |||
Write letters to clients or complete incident reports. | |||
Write notes to co-workers. | |||
Write business plans or proposals. | |||
Write documents using a template, such as contracts or financial reports. | |||
Total |
Oral communication
Using speech to exchange thoughts and information.
I am confident in my ability to… | Yes | Somewhat | No |
---|---|---|---|
Talk to co-workers about a work-related issue. | |||
Talk to clients about services to be provided. | |||
Speak comfortably in different situations or to different groups of people. | |||
Communicate information clearly and concisely (e.g. explain a work-related issue to a supervisor). | |||
Understand information or questions that are presented orally (e.g. instructions for repairing a piece of equipment). | |||
Gather information by asking questions. | |||
Listen to others without interrupting. | |||
Restate in my own words information that is presented orally. | |||
Speak in front of a group of people (e.g. lead a discussion with about a work-related issue). | |||
Persuade others by speaking convincingly. | |||
Total |
Working with others
Interacting with others to complete tasks.
I am confident in my ability to… | Yes | Somewhat | No |
---|---|---|---|
Work with limited direction or supervision. | |||
Work with others to schedule and coordinate job tasks. | |||
Ask for help when required. | |||
Complete my assigned work on time to ensure team deadlines are met. | |||
Give or follow recommendations or instructions. | |||
Recognize the strengths and weaknesses of other team members. | |||
Use feedback from co-workers to improve my work. | |||
Give feedback to help others improve their work. | |||
Resolve conflicts when working with others. | |||
Take on a leadership role (e.g. mentor, advisor). | |||
Total |
Thinking
Finding and evaluating information to make informed decisions or to organize work.
I am confident in my ability to… | Yes | Somewhat | No |
---|---|---|---|
Recognize and identify problems. | |||
Use past experiences to help solve problems or make decisions. | |||
Identify several reasonable options to address a problem. | |||
Evaluate options and choose the best course of action when confronted with a problem or a decision. | |||
Make reasonable assumptions when information is unavailable. | |||
Find and use relevant information required to complete a task. | |||
Organize job tasks according to their level of priority. | |||
Memorize information required for different job tasks. | |||
Plan and arrange job tasks to meet deadlines. | |||
Evaluate the accuracy or credibility of information. | |||
Total |
Computer use
Using computers and other forms of technology.
I am confident in my ability to… | Yes | Somewhat | No |
---|---|---|---|
Use company-specific technology, such as two-way radios or computer-controlled machinery. | |||
Perform basic interactions with a computer (e.g. log on, manage electronic files). | |||
Use word processing software to perform tasks (e.g. produce or format text). | |||
Use spreadsheet software to perform tasks (e.g. organize data, create graphs). | |||
Use databases to perform tasks (e.g. find or verify customer information). | |||
Use graphics software to create visual aids (e.g. create basic drawings of parts and fixtures). | |||
Use email to communicate (e.g. send attachments, email a group of people). | |||
Use company-specific software (e.g. financial). | |||
Use the Internet to find information (e.g. online supplier catalogue). | |||
Resolve basic technical difficulties (e.g. replace an ink cartridge in a printer). | |||
Total |
Continuous learning
Participating in an ongoing process of improving skills and knowledge.
I am confident in my ability to… | Yes | Somewhat | No |
---|---|---|---|
Understand my skills strengths and areas for improvement. | |||
Develop a learning plan with guidance. | |||
Seek learning opportunities, materials and/or resources. | |||
Learn from past experiences and apply lessons learned to new situations. | |||
Try new ways of doing things. | |||
Learn from others (e.g. seek feedback from an experienced journeyperson). | |||
Take responsibility for my own learning. | |||
Apply new skills and knowledge. | |||
Keep my skills up-to-date. | |||
Ask questions when information is unclear. | |||
Learn by reading and researching. | |||
Total |
Skills summary
- Identify your essential skills strengths – skills with less than five checkmarks in the Somewhat and/or No columns.
- Identify areas for improvement – skills with five or more checkmarks in the Somewhat and/or No columns.
- Record your results in the space provided.
- Use your results to develop a training plan.
My essential skills strengths (e.g. reading)
1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________
Areas for improvement (e.g. working with others)
1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________
Report a problem or mistake on this page
- Date modified: