The Core Competencies That Canadians Need to Adapt and Succeed

Updates made by the Office of Skills for Success1 in May 2021 consisted of replacing the Essential Skills Framework, which was developed in 2007, with the Skills for Success model. The revised skills are intended to better reflect requirements in terms of adapting and navigating through the ever-changing labour market and technologies, and to facilitate a common and shared understanding of the concept of skills. When compared to the former Essential Skills Framework, two new skills were added to the revised existing skills which, in total, result in the nine skills identified below:2

1 The Office of Skills for Success (OSS) is under Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and replaces the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES). 2 The nine skills are described on the Government of Canada’s “Learn about the Skills” page: https:/www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/initiatives/skills-success/understanding-individuals.html.

1.

CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

This skill is defined as the ability to imagine, develop, express, encourage and execute ideas in innovative and unexpected ways, or the ability to challenge existing methods and norms (which could also be described as the ability to “think outside the box”).

This skill is important because it enables us to come up with new ideas and do things differently. It is a quality employers look for because it can help us find solutions and meet challenges in increasingly diverse work environments.

2.

PROBLEM SOLVING

This skill is defined as the ability to analyze a situation, consider solutions and make decisions.

This skill is important because it allows us to think about different ways of completing a task, identify important information, choose one of several solutions, decide which task has priority, or solve technical problems. All of these actions help to achieve goals and deadlines effectively, both at work and in our daily lives.

4.

DIGITAL

This skill is defined as the ability to use technology and digital tools so as to find, apply, create, organize or share information and content. Some examples include creating spreadsheets, using social networks, participating in video conferences, etc.

This skill is important because most jobs now require digital skills, in some cases just to be able to use other skills like reading, writing and numeracy. Examples include writing text with a computer to send to others, using a point-of-sale terminal, protecting personal data online, entering data into systems, etc.

6.

ADAPTABILITY

This skill is defined as the ability to achieve or adjust goals and behaviours when changes occur, either at work or in our daily lives. It can help us modify work plans to meet new deadlines, for example, or learn to work with new tools or new people.

This skill is important because in everyday life and work environments, things change or evolve, often at a rapid pace. Adaptability helps us deal effectively with change, learn new skills and behaviours when needed, and not give up when things get tough. It also helps us stay positive and manage the stress of changes at work and in our daily lives.

3.

READING

This skill is defined as the ability to find, understand and use information in the form of words, symbols or pictures. It allows us to identify information in emails, reports, articles, instruction manuals, etc.

This skill is important because it allows us to understand and interpret the meaning of texts, and extract information that is useful for a variety of activities, such as completing tasks, working safely, and carrying out many activities in our daily lives.

5.

COLLABORATION

This skill is defined as the ability to contribute and to support others in achieving a common goal.

This skill is important because workplaces and environments are increasingly diverse and changing, and many tasks require working with different people depending on the activities to be performed. It is important to be able to work in harmony with people who have different occupations, experiences or cultural backgrounds. This is a quality that is sought after by employers because it facilitates teamwork by helping to understand how to contribute, how to support and value others, and how to handle difficult interactions. Overall, it is a skill that helps build and maintain positive relationships with others.

7.

WRITING

This skill is defined as the ability to communicate ideas and information using written words, symbols and images. Examples include filling out forms and applications, writing emails and reports, and posting content on social media. It also includes the ability to adjust the message, content and style to different contexts, people and media.

This skill is important because it is essential for communicating and sharing information when it is not possible to do so verbally or when we want to keep a record of it. It also allows us to adapt written messages to specific contexts, people and objectives.

8.

NUMERACY

This skill is defined as the ability to identify, understand and communicate mathematics in the form of words, numbers, symbols and graphs. This skill is not only used to perform calculations, but also to manage budgets, analyze data and make estimates.

This skill is important because it goes beyond basic numeracy and is useful in all areas of life, from managing personal finances to understanding what statistics on the news mean. Many jobs require the ability to work with numbers and math.

9.

COMMUNICATION

This skill is defined as the ability to receive, understand, interpret and share information and ideas by speaking, listening and interacting with others. For example, listening to instructions and clarifying them as needed, serving clients, or discussing ideas.

This skill is important for sharing and exchanging information, as well as listening to and understanding others. All jobs require communication skills, to develop good working relationships with colleagues and clients, including those with diverse cultural backgrounds, and to exchange important information related to the activities or safety at work. They are equally necessary in our daily lives to gather and share information, as well as listen to and discuss various points of view.3

WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BOTH VERSIONS?4

› Document use is now integrated in reading, writing and numeracy; › The scope of computer use is now broader to cover digital, which includes the use of different digital devices and platforms; › Oral communication is now communication and includes broader concepts, such as non-verbal communication; › Working with others is now collaboration to reflect a broader scope, which contains inclusivity and respect for diversity; › Thinking skills is now problem solving. It includes components such as search of information, critical thinking and decision-making, in addition to problem-solving which was originally more limited; › Adaptability as well as creativity and innovation—which integrate continuous learning—are two new skills. ■

3 This information can be found on ESDC’s “Learn about the Skills” webpage: https:/www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/initiatives/skills-success/understanding-individuals.html. 4 This information is detailed in the Research Report to Support the Launch of Skills for Success, produced by the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation and published in May 2021. It can be found here: https://www.srdc.org/publications/Research-report-to-support-the-launch-of-Skills-for-Success-Structure-evidence-and-recommendations-Final-report-details.aspx