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Why do Essential Skills and work habits matter?
Essential Skills, such as Document Use and Problem Solving, are the generic skills used in nearly all occupations. We also use these skills in everyday life, such as when we are using a bus schedule to identify which bus will get us work on time or when we are figuring out how to deal with a scheduling conflict.
Essential Skills are the foundation for learning other skills, such as technical skills. They also help us adapt to change. It is no surprise that we say these skills are transferable from school to work and further education or training, as well as from job to job and sector to sector.
It is important to note, however, that we use these skills at different levels of complexity or skills levels when performing tasks in work, learning and life. For example, a Personal Support Worker (NOC 3413) is using Document Use at skill level 1 when reading lists of patient names, their requirements and care needs. When completing hospital admission forms a Personal Support Worker is using Document Use at skill level 2 because this task is more complex. An even more complex Document Use task at skill level 3 would be when we complete a multi-page job application form. These sample tasks show us that we use our Essential Skills in a variety of ways, at varying skill levels, in our daily life.
Since good work habits are important for success in the workplace, they are included in the Ontario Skills Passport, too. These work habits include working safely, reliability and excellent customer service. There are no skill levels associated with work habits in the OSP.
So, when you are doing research on employment trends and opportunities, perhaps you are looking at occupations that are very different from what you have done before, it is helpful to look at the Essential Skills and work habits because they are common across occupations. However, it is also important to see how Essential Skills are used on the job by looking at the different skill levels required to perform job tasks for this occupation. This can help you figure out what Essential Skills you can bring to a business or organization and then communicate with employers about how your previous experiences can help you succeed in a new workplace. It can also help you identify the Essential Skills to develop further to get the job you want.
Helpful Tips
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as you explore the Essential Skills and Work Habits section of the OSP.
- Click on any Essential Skill to learn about skill levels.
- Click on the "work, learning and life" icons to view videos that show how you use your Essential Skills and work habits in everyday situations like going to the pharmacy. The "Essential Skills and Work Habits in Action" video shows the transferability of these skills within the workplace and to everyday life. You may be surprised how many Essential Skills and work habits you use every day!
Next Steps
When you have explored this section, go to the Occupations and Tasks section to see how experienced workers use Essential Skills on the job and get other employment-related information.
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