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The Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) provides clear descriptions of
the Essential
Skills and work
habits important for work,
learning and life. Essential Skills are used in virtually all occupations and
are transferable from school to work, job to job and sector to
sector.
The OSP offers high school students, adult learners, job
seekers, workers, employers, teachers, trainers, practitioners,
job developers and counsellors a common language, resources and
tools that help build competence, confidence and connections.
Components of the OSP
- OSP Database - contains sample workplace tasks
for approximately 300 occupations. Tasks are grouped by Essential
Skill and skill level
- OSP Applications - applications that make use of
the rich information contained in the database include the OSP
Work Plan, OSP Transition Plan and employer tools such as Create
a Job Ad/Description
- OSP Check-Up Tools - tools and resources that
help learners, job seekers and workers assess, practice and build
their Essential Skills and work habits
- OSP Check-In Tool - practitioners and counsellors
can use this intake, referral and planning tool to focus on your
Essential Skills and work habits
- Resources – access the OSP Tracker, OSP brochure
and other OSP resources designed for use in a wide range of
educational and training contexts
Learners, job seekers and workers are encouraged to keep
their OSP Work Plans, OSP Transition Plans, OSP Tracker and other
skills-related documents in a portfolio.
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The OSP was developed by the Ministry of Education and the
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The Ministries
continue to sponsor OSP enhancements and the development of OSP
resources to support its use in a wide range of educational and
training contexts.
The OSP offers a common language, tools and resources that
help build competence, confidence and connections.
- Learners* and job seekers can use the OSP to
identify the skills they already have and to plan further skills
development so that they can more easily make the transition to
the workplace and/or to further education and/or training.
- Workers can use the OSP to continue developing
and gathering evidence of their skills so that they may progress
in their careers.
- Employers can use the OSP for assessing the
performance of individuals in the workplace with regard to
Essential Skills and work habits, for assessing and recording
demonstration of these skills and work habits, and for hiring and
training employees.
- Teachers, trainers, job developers, practitioners
and counsellors can use the OSP to introduce relevant information
on skills and occupation-related tasks in the classroom and in
training programs, to identify expanded workplace-based
opportunities, and to match learners and job seekers with
available work placements.
*The term learners" includes high school students and
adult learners.
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Internet Browsers and Software
- Internet Explorer (IE) is the preferred browser to navigate the OSP website. Some information will not display properly when using other browsers, like Firefox.
- The OSP website has been optimized to work with IE v. 6. Please report any issues you detect when using other IE versions.
- Adobe Reader 8.0
- Adobe Flash Player or Macromedia Flash Plugin
Word Processing Software
The preferred choices for formatting OSP Work Plans and OSP
Transition Plans are:
- MS Word 2000 or a later version
- WordPerfect 10.0 or a later version
Choose the Print option if you have older versions
of MS Word or WordPerfect than those specified above. This will
help you avoid formatting problems. Please note that the Print
option does not allow you to save files on your computer.
OSP Check-Up Tools
To use the OSP Check-Up Tools online, please check that
your computer meets the specifications provided below and do an audio test.
For best results, please use Internet Explorer. These applications are not designed for use with other browsers, including Firefox.
Hardware:
- Media devices (Speakers and microphone installed and
functioning)
- Calculator enabled part of the OS (Windows XP)
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The skills described in the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP)
were identified as “Essential Skills” through research
and interviews conducted by Human Resources and Skills Development
Canada (HRSDC) with over 5000 Canadian workers.
| Essential Skills enable people to perform tasks
required by their jobs as well as adapt to change. They are generic
skills that are used in virtually all occupations and throughout
daily life. They are transferable from school to work,
job to job and sector to sector and they also provide the foundation
for learning other skills, such as technical skills and
job/workplace skills. |
A nurse giving an injection would use:
- Essential Skills when reading the doctor's instructions,
filling out documents, communicating with the patient and
measuring the correct quantity of the substance to be injected;
- Technical Skills to give the injection; and
- Workplace Specific Skills to follow the specific
emergency procedures in the clinic if the patient had a reaction
to the injection.
| Technical skills are used in specific occupations and
can be transferable to other jobs within the field and, in some
cases, to related occupations. Job/workplace specific skills
apply to a specific employer or workplace and have limited
transferability |
Here are sample tasks that illustrate how Truck and Transport
Mechanics (NOC 7321) use Essential Skills. Please note that skill
levels are provided for each Essential Skill. Skill levels are
assigned to workplace tasks and not the workers performing these
tasks.
Essential Skills of:
- Problem Solving when working out a truck
repair service schedule with dispatchers who need to keep the
trucks on the road (2)
- Oral Communication when contacting manufacturers to
discuss problems, such as U joints not lasting (2)
- Finding Information when finding
diagnostic information using computer programs, like ABS Brakes
Program (2)
- Use of Computers when using computer
applications, such as a computerized diagnostic system which
operate from handheld monitors that directly plug into trucks (2)
Truck and Transport Mechanics (NOC 7321) also use:
- Technical Skills to adjust, repair or replace
parts and components of automotive systems, including fuel,
brake, steering and suspension, engine and drive train, emission
control, cooling and climate control, and electrical and
electronic systems using hand tools and other specialized
automotive repair equipment; and
- Job/Workplace Specific Skills to test and adjust
repaired systems to manufacturer's or employer's performance
specifications.
| By acquiring strong Essential Skills, we can better
develop and apply the Technical and Job/Workplace Skills which
are also needed to be successful in the workplace. |
Sample tasks, listed by skill
and skill level, are available for over 200 occupations.
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During the interviews, workers were asked to identify the
Essential Skills that they considered to be fundamental to success
in their particular occupations. HRSDC refers to them as
“the most important Essential Skills” for the
occupation.
The OSP database includes descriptions of occupations found
in the National Occupational Classification Matrix 2001 (NOC).
Each description is followed by a list of the most important
Essential Skills for that occupation. The description of the
occupation and the list of the most important essential skills
come directly from HRSDC.
Please note that there are four Essential Skills that may
appear in the list of most important Essential Skills" for an
occupation but have not yet been included among the skills listed
in the OSP database. They are critical thinking, continuous
learning, working with others and significant use of memory. (Note
that Working with others" does appear in the OSP, but it is
included in the Work Habits section). HRSDC has been developing
complexity rating scales for critical thinking, continuous
learning and working with others. Once the skill levels for these
Essential Skills are defined, and occupation-specific tasks are
identified by skill and skill level, this information will be
added to the OSP database. HRSDC is not developing a complexity
rating for significant use of memory so tasks associated with this
skill will not be assigned a skill level.
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Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) developed
skill levels for most of the Essential Skills.
Some of the skills have five levels, others have four.
These skill levels indicate the level of complexity involved in
the use of a skill in a particular task. For all skills, the least
complex tasks are tasks classified at level 1. The most complex
tasks are tasks classified at level 5, or at level 4, if there are
only four levels for a skill. For example, a task that requires
you to follow simple written directions such as the directions on
a bottle is classified at skill level 1" in reading. A task that
requires you to interpret complex information using specialized
knowledge such as scientific terminology is classified at skill
level 5" in reading. More detailed information on skill levels is
available in the Readers'
Guide.
| Skill levels are associated with workplace tasks and
not the workers performing these tasks. Sample tasks, listed by skill
and skill level, are available for over 200 occupations. |
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For the purposes of the OSP, a skill is an ability that an
individual needs to have in order to perform a specific task.
Skills can be acquired and improved with experience, practice, and
training. Many skills are transferable; that is, they can be
transferred from one situation, or task, to another.
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The skills in the OSP are the Essential
Skills that enable people to perform tasks required by their
occupation and other activities of daily life. These skills
provide people with a foundation for learning other skills, and
enhance their ability to adapt to the workplace.
For each skill, skill levels are provided. Some skills have
five levels, others have four. These skill levels indicate the
level of complexity involved in the use of a skill in a particular
task. For all skills, the least complex tasks are tasks classified
at level 1. The most complex tasks are tasks classified at level
5, or at level 4, if there are only four levels for a skill. For
example, a task that requires you to follow simple written
directions such as the directions on a bottle is classified at
“skill level 1” in reading. A task that requires you
to interpret complex information using specialized knowledge such
as scientific terminology is classified at “skill level
5” in reading.
The Essential Skills included in the OSP are listed below.
For each skill, a brief description is given that defines what is
meant for the purposes of this passport.
Click on any skill title to view descriptions of
the skill levels.
-
- Reading
Text :
- The comprehension of text consisting
of sentences and paragraphs.
-
-
- Writing
:
- The preparation of written materials for a variety of
purposes.
-
-
- Document
Use :
- The use of labels, lists, signs, graphs, charts, tables,
forms, and other similar materials.
-
-
- Computer
Use :
- The use of any type of computerized technology.
-
-
- Oral
Communication :
- The use of speech for a variety of purposes.
-
- NUMERACY
-
- Money
Math :
- The use of mathematical skills in making financial
transactions, such as handling cash, preparing bills, and making
payments.
-
-
- Scheduling
or Budgeting and Accounting :
- Planning for the best use of time and
money, as well as monitoring of the use of time and money.
-
-
- Measurement
and Calculation :
- The measurement and calculation of quantities, areas,
volumes, and/or distances.
-
-
- Data
Analysis :
- The collection and analysis of data in numerical form.
-
-
- Numerical
Estimation :
- The production of estimates in numerical terms.
-
- THINKING SKILLS
-
- Job
Task Planning and Organizing :
- The planning and organization of one’s own work.
-
-
- Decision
Making :
- The making of any type of decision, using appropriate
information.
-
-
- Problem
Solving :
- The identification and solving of problems.
-
-
- Finding
Information :
- The use of a variety of sources, including written text,
people, computerized databases, and information systems. (See
also Reading, Use of documents, Use of computers, and Oral
communication above).
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The OSP includes a section on work habits, since it is
important for everyone in the work force to have good work habits
as well as the appropriate skills. Work habits are assessed in the
following categories: working safely, the ability to work in a
team, reliability, organization, the ability to work
independently, demonstration of initiative, self-advocacy,
excellence in customer service, and entrepreneurship. Please
note that there are no skill levels associated
with work habits in the OSP.
The description of each work habit, which is given below, consists
of a list of attitudes and behaviours on which the employer will
assess the learners (including high school students and adult
learners), job seekers, or workers.
- Working in a manner that prevents injury to self and
others
- Reporting unsafe conditions
- Participating in health and safety training, as required
- Using and wearing all required protective equipment and
devices
- Working willingly with others
- Showing respect for the ideas and opinions of others
- Taking responsibility for his or her share of the work
- Contributing to the team effort by sharing information,
resources, and expertise
- Being punctual
- Following directions
- Giving attention to detail
- Using time effectively and producing work on time
- Acting in accordance with health and safety practices
- Organizing work priorities when faced with a number of
tasks
- Devising and following a coherent plan to complete a
task
- Revising the plan when necessary to complete a task or
to make improvements
- Accomplishing tasks independently
- Independently selecting, evaluating, and using
appropriate materials, tools, resources, and activities
- Using prior knowledge and experience to solve problems
and make decisions
- Beginning and completing tasks with little prompting
- Approaching new tasks with confidence and a positive
attitude
- Seeking assistance when necessary
- Asking questions and seeking clarification, where
appropriate
- Identifying and making use of appropriate resources and
support when needed
- Being proactive regarding individual rights and
responsibilities, where appropriate
- Listening effectively to determine and meet
clients’ needs
- Interacting positively with both co-workers and
clients/customers
- Endeavouring to meet and exceed expectations
- Creating a positive impression of the company or
organization
- Recognizing and acting on opportunities
- Showing perseverance
- Being innovative and creative
- Being versatile and resourceful
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The OSP database contains the following information for a
wide range of occupations :
- a description of the occupation, including a list of the
most important Essential Skills for that occupation
- a list of tasks by skill and skill level for that
occupation
The descriptions of the occupations and the tasks by skill
and skill level are based on the Essential Skills
Profiles prepared by HRSDC, which show how workers use Essential
Skills at work. Skill levels are associated with workplace tasks
and not the worker performing these tasks.
The HRSDC and OSP databases will continue to grow over
time. For example, HRSDC has recently developed complexity rating
scales for critical thinking, working with others and
continuous learning and occupation-specific tasks for these skills
will be added to the OSP database as they become available. There
is no complexity rating scale for significant use of memory
so occupation-specific tasks will not be assigned a skill level.
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You can search the OSP database by :
- NOC code
- keyword
- skill, skill level and occupation
Click here
for a list of NOC codes and occupations in the OSP database.
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National Occupation Classification (NOC) code is a number
that Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) has
assigned to a particular occupation. For example, the NOC
code for a cook is 6242. Here’s how they came up with that number
:
- 6" means that it is a Sales and Service" type of
occupation
- 62" is the major group number for all occupations in
the Skilled Sales and Service Occupations" family
- 624" is the minor group number for chefs and cooks;
these are similar occupations and are grouped together
- 6242" is the code just for cooks
The NOC codes or NOC matrix are designed so that you can
easily find out about occupations that are related to your career
choice. More information about the NOC codes and NOC matrix is in
the section below.
Click
here if you would like to view the whole National Occupational
Classification Matrix 2001.
Knowing the NOC code can help you to :
- find occupations that are related to your career
choice. If you are a cooperative education learner, this is
really important. You may not be able to do a placement in your
exact career choice but picking a related occupation could really
help you reach your future career goals.
- more easily conduct a search in the OSP database. You do
not have to know the NOC code to do a search but it is
quicker than a keyword search.
Click here for more information about
selecting an occupation.
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The OSP database contains a large number of occupation
titles found in the National Occupational
Classification Matrix 2001
(NOC). In the NOC, occupations are classified by a number of
attributes, including the amount and type of education and
training required to enter and perform the duties of an
occupation. Level A, B, C, and D occupations are grouped in four
different categories according to type of education and training.
There are also 0" level occupations. The categories are as
follows :
- occupations at level D require some secondary
school and on-the-job training
- occupations at level C usually require secondary
school and/or occupation-specific training
- occupations at level B usually require college
education or apprenticeship training
- occupations at level A usually require university
education
- occupations at level 0 are management types of
occupations
The OSP database contains information on entry-level
occupations; that is, occupations at NOC levels C and D. The
database also includes a number of Red Seal Trades, apprenticeable
trades and other occupations at the B level as well as several
occupations at the A and 0 levels. The OSP database will continue
to grow as HRSDC prepares more Essential Skill profiles for
occupations at the A, B and 0 levels
Click here
for a list of occupations in the OSP database.
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- Learners*, job seekers and workers can search the
OSP Database to find out how workers use their Essential Skills
on-the-job.
- Employers may search the database to identify
skills and tasks appropriate to their workplace for the purposes
of preparing a job ad or a training plan.
- Teachers, job developers, and trainers may search
the database to identify relevant information on how skills are
used at the workplace that can be brought into the classroom and
training programs.
*The term learners" includes high school students and
adult learners.
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The OSP Work Plan is a document in which employers record the demonstration of
skills and work habits
in the workplace. The work plan lists the tasks, by skill and
skill level,
that an individual will have an opportunity to perform in a work placement.
The work plan also includes a description of work habits that are important for success in the workplace.
The OSP Work Plan helps you to focus on a few skills at each workplace opportunity.
The skills listed in the OSP are transferable skills that a learner* or job seeker can take
from job to job, sector to sector and school to work. The OSP Work Plan is not a comprehensive
job description. In other words, it is not a complete list of everything that you may do at your particular job.
TIP : To help to keep the work plan manageable for both you and your employer, focus on a few skills you really
want to develop/demonstrate. Celebrate your successes along the way!
If you want more information on the roles and responsibilities for specific occupations so that you can create
a job description, go to
http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/generic/welcome.shtml.
*The term learners" includes high school students and adult learners.
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Click on one of the websites listed below to get help choosing an occupation for a cooperative education or work experience
placement. You may want to search for occupations that are related to one of your career choices. It may not be possible to
get a cooperative education/work experience placement in the exact occupation you want but knowing the occupations that
are related to your career choice can help you to find a great place to start.
After you explore one or more of the sites listed below and have decided which occupation(s) you are interested in,
come back to the OSP website so you can find out more about the essential skills for your occupation(s) of choice :
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1. With assistance from your teacher or job developer, choose an occupation that is related to your
cooperative education or work experience placement. You can search the OSP database by using the 4-digit NOC code, keywords or NOC listings.
The quickest and most direct way to search the OSP database is to enter the 4-digit NOC code.
Click here for a list of occupations in the OSP database.
Please note that when searching by keyword, several attempts using different words might be required. For example, a search for secretary" does not yield any result,
but a search for clerk" or office" produces several occupations. This is one reason why a search using the 4-digit NOC code is a more direct method of finding an occupation.
2. Together with your teacher or job developer, create a work plan - either a standard work plan or a customized work plan.
- The fastest and simplest procedure is to create a
standard work plan that will automatically select the most
important Essential Skills for the occupation you have chosen.
This is a great starting point.
- Alternatively, you can customize a work plan to
better match your specific workplace opportunities and i
nterests. You can choose the skills that you would like to focus
on and you can also include job tasks associated with other
occupations.
Regardless of whether you create a standard or a customized
work plan, you will notice that the tasks displayed under each
skill already have a check mark. These tasks have been
automatically selected to help you get started but you do not have
to include them all in the work plan! With the help of your
teacher or job developer you can delete any tasks that may not be
appropriate or that you may not have the chance to demonstrate at
your particular workplace.
3. Preview the work plan as you build it to ensure that it
is kept to a manageable size, somewhere between two and three
pages. If it is short, you and the employer can focus more easily
on the skills and tasks that are the most relevant to the
workplace and to your interests. Review the work plan with your
teacher or job developer before presenting it to you
employer.
4. Meet with your employer and cooperative education
teacher or job developer to review the work plan. Your employer
may suggest adding or deleting tasks based on his/her experience
of which tasks you will likely have the opportunity to demonstrate
at your work placement. Your employer may also want to add tasks
that are customized to your particular work plan situation. These
customized tasks can be inserted into the Other Tasks"
section of the work plan. No skill or skill level should be
assigned to tasks which are not part of the OSP database or the
Essential Skills Research. Click here for more
information on using the Other Tasks" section of the work plan.
5. After the meeting with the employer, you can update the
work plan if necessary. Click here for
instructions on Updating a Work Plan.
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Sample OSP Work Plans
Sample Standard OSP Work Plan
(Word, 110KB)
Sample Customized OSP Work Plan
(Word, 112KB)
Sample Customized OSP Work Plan –
combining 2 occupations (Word, 129KB)
Together with the teacher, select a standard or a customized OSP Work Plan.
- The standard OSP Work Plan will automatically select the most important Essential Skills for the occupation you have chosen. This is a great starting point.
- The customized OSP Work Plan allows you to choose the Essential Skills that you would like to focus on and you can also include job tasks associated with other occupations.
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You have chosen to create a customized OSP Work Plan. Together with the teacher/facilitator or job developer, select a few skills to focus on during the placement. You can always add more skills at a later time.
The most important Essential Skills for the occupation are displayed at the beginning. They have been automatically selected (with a checkmark) to help you get started but you may add or delete any skill by clicking on the box beside it.
The Ontario Skills Passport focuses on the transferable skills that a learner or job seeker can take from job to job, sector to sector and school to work. The OSP Work Plan is not meant to be a comprehensive job description or a complete list of everything that you may do at a particular job.
TIPS: To help to keep the work plan manageable for you and the employer focus on a few skills you really want to develop/demonstrate. Celebrate your successes along the way!
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Sample tasks for the occupation you have chosen are listed by Essential Skill and skill level. The tasks have been automatically selected (with a check mark) to help you get started. With the help of the teacher/facilitator or job developer delete any tasks that may not be appropriate or that you may not have the chance to demonstrate in the placement.
Review the work plan as you build it to ensure that it is kept to a manageable size, somewhere between two and three pages. This will allow you and the teacher/facilitator or job developer to focus on the tasks you will have the opportunity to demonstrate during the placement.
Sample OSP Work Plans
Sample Standard OSP Work Plan (Word, 110KB)
Sample Customized OSP Work Plan (Word, 112KB)
Sample Customized OSP Work Plan - combining 2 occupations (Word, 129KB)
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Please note that it is not possible to save work plans to a
central server at the Ministry of Education because of the privacy
issues involved with the saving and storing of personal
information. You can save an OSP Work Plan on your computer as a
Word or WordPerfect document and make changes; however, you will
need to go back to the website and start over again if you want to
add other skills or tasks from the OSP database to the original
work plan.
You have three options for saving and/or
printing a work plan :
- Click on Save Work Plan in Word" if you would
like to save the work plan on your computer as a MS Word
document. A File Download" message will appear on your screen
which asks Do you want to open or save this file?" Click on the
Save" button. Now you will see a Save As" message on
your screen. Decide where you want to save your file on your
computer (My Documents", A" drive, etc.) and then type in a
file name (i.e. JDoeWorkPlanFeb1.05) and click on OK".
Once you have saved the work plan, it becomes a real" document
and you can change the margins, add/delete rows, etc. just like
you would in any MS Word document.
Click here for tips on formatting and printing
your work plan.
- Click on Save Work Plan in WordPerfect" if you
would like to save the work plan on your computer as a
WordPerfect document. A File Download" message will appear on
your screen which asks Do you want to open or save this file?"
Click on the Save" button. You will now see a Save As"
message on your screen. Decide where you want to save your file
on your computer (My Documents", A" drive, etc.) and then type
in a file name (i.e. JDoeWorkPlanDec.11.04) and click on OK".
Once you have saved the work plan, it becomes a real" document
and you can change the margins, add/delete rows, etc. just like
you would in any WordPerfect document. Please note that the first
time you make changes to your saved work plan, a Save
Format" message will appear which asks if you want to resave the
document as a WordPerfect, RTF (Rich Text Format), etc. Save your
work plan again as a WordPerfect" document and click on OK."
Click here for tips on formatting and printing
your work plan.
- Click on Print Work Plan" to print your work
plan on a PDF template. Please note that if you choose this
option, you cannot save this PDF version of the work plan
on your computer. You can, however, format the page, set the page
size, etc. before you print it. If you have older versions of
Word or WordPerfect, this may be the best option for the
formatting of your work plan.
Click here for Browser and Software
Requirements.
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The following section provide tips on formatting and
printing your work plan to help you create a professional-looking
work plan that you are proud to present to an employer and add to
your portfolio:
- Adding Rows to the Other Tasks" section– Here
are two different ways to create additional rows:
(1) Click on the last row in the section and click on the Tab"
button until you see an additional row appear. Copy" a check box
from the Check if Demonstrated" column and then Paste" it into
the new column you have created.
or
(2) Select and highlight the last row and click Copy (Ctrl +C)
and then Paste (Ctrl + V).
- Deleting Rows - To delete a task row" from your
work plan, highlight the row you would like to delete. Go to the
main menu and select Table." Now select Delete" from the pull
down menu and then click on Rows."
- Typing in the Other Tasks" section - Check that
the font style is set on" Times Roman" or whichever font appears
in the rest of your document.
- Lines that do not appear in WordPerfect versions
10 and earlier - There is a glitch in the WordPerfect software
that occurs when text is converted from Rich Text Format to a
WordPerfect document. In some cases, you may find that text box
lines do not appear on your computer screen. However, the lines
will appear on your printed document.
- Use Print Preview" to check your work plan
before you print - After you are satisfied with any changes you
have made, go to the File" menu and click on Print Preview".
This allows you to view the work plan before printing it. For
example, you may find that there is only a little information
(i.e. the Employer Signature and Date) on the last page so you
could delete the spaces between the other sections or adjust the
margins so that the entire Employer Information" section can
print out together.
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Once you get to the Review Your Work Plan" page on the
website, you will see that the work plan includes an Other
Tasks (optional)" section. There are two types of additional tasks
that can be inserted into the Other Tasks" section of the OSP
Work Plan.
- Tasks which are listed in HRSDC’s Essential Skills
Profiles but have not yet been added to the OSP database can be
included in the Other Tasks" section of the work plan. For
example, HRSDC has been developing complexity rating scales for critical
thinking, continuous learning and working with others. Once the
skill levels for these Essential Skills are defined, and
occupation-specific tasks are identified by skill and skill
level, this information will be added to the OSP database. There
is no complexity rating scale for significant use of
memory so occupation-specific tasks will not be assigned a skill
level. In the meantime, if you would like to add tasks associated
with skills that are not yet in the OSP database, copy the task
from HRSDC’s Essential
Skills Profiles and then paste it into the "Other Tasks" section
of the work plan. The particular skill can be included in
brackets with no reference to a specific skill level. Here’s an
example of how a task associated with the skill Significant Use
of Memory" can be added to a work plan:
Other Tasks (optional)
| Task
Performed |
Check if
Demonstrated |
| remember the names and faces
of repeat clients and recall details of events in which
co-ordination was flawed, to avoid similar situations in the
future. (Significant Use of Memory) |
|
- Tasks that an employer identifies as being relevant to
the work placement which are not part of the OSP database or
the Essential Skills Research can also be inserted into the
Other Tasks" section of the work plan; however, no skill or
skill level should be assigned to these types of customized"
tasks.
Please keep in mind that the Other Tasks" section of the
work plan is optional and you may not have any tasks to add to
this section right now. However, your employer may identify some
tasks that are customized" to your workplace. It is a good idea
to refrain from making any entries into the Other Tasks" section
until after you have had discussions with both your employer and
your cooperative education teacher or job developer.
Back
Once you have saved your work plan and have had a meeting
with the employer regarding the skills and tasks that you will
have an opportunity to perform/demonstrate at the workplace, you
may need to go back and update the work plan. There may also be
instances in which you have already started your work placement
and a decision was made to include additional tasks in the work
plan.
Choose from the following four options when updating
a work plan :
- If there was an agreement to delete tasks from the work
plan, go into the saved version of the work plan (either in Word
or WordPerfect) and delete tasks as necessary.
- If there was an agreement to add in tasks that are
customized to your particular workplace (i.e. the tasks are not
in the OSP database), then you can type in these additional tasks
in the "Other tasks" section of the work plan. Please note that
no skill or skill level should be assigned to tasks that are from
outside the OSP database.
- If you would like to add in more tasks from the OSP
database, you can create a whole new work plan. The NOC code(s)
for the occupations you used to create the original work plan are
at the top of page one.
- If you would like to add in more tasks from the OSP
database but do not want to create a whole new work plan,
you can simply add more sheets to the original work plan.
Please remember that if you are a participant in the Job
Connect program or a cooperative education learner, you need to
consult with your teacher or job developer before making any
changes to the work plan.
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The OSP Training Plan is a document in which educators or trainers record learners? demonstration of Essential Skills and work
habits. The training plan lists tasks, by Essential Skill and skill
level, that a learner will have an opportunity to perform during the training program.
Educators/trainers can use the information in the OSP Training Plan to design opportunities for
learners to practice and build their Essential Skills using real workplace tasks. Learners should
be encouraged to continue working towards the skill level demands of the occupation with the
understanding that while they may not be required to satisfactorily demonstrate the most complex
tasks when first entering a job, they need to continually develop their Essential Skills and work
habits to keep a job and progress in the workplace.
Back
Click on the links below to find information on occupations.
After you have chosen occupation(s) you are interested in, return to the OSP website to begin creating your OSP Training Plan.
Back
The first step to creating an OSP Training Plan is to choose an occupation.
Click here
for a list of occupations in the OSP database. Look through the list to find your occupations of
interest and write down the occupation titles and the NOC codes for future reference.
The quickest way to create a training plan is to
enter the 4-digit NOC code for the occupation (see option "A"
below). You can also search for an occupation by using keywords
(see option "B" below) or NOC listings (see option "C" below) but
this will require more steps.
A: Search using 4-digit NOC code
Enter the 4-digit NOC code for your occupation. Then click
the "Next" button at the bottom. On the following screen, you will
see a description of the occupation and you can start building
your training plan.
or
B: Search using keyword(s)
Type in keywords such as "clerk" or "operator". On the
following screen, occupations that contain these keywords in their
occupation title or description will be listed. Select an
occupation from this list that best matches your occupation of
interest.
Please note that when searching by keyword, several
attempts using different words might be required. For example, a
search for "secretary" does not yield any result, but a search for
"clerk" or "office" produces several occupations. This is one
reason why a search using the 4-digit NOC code is a more direct
method of finding an occupation.
If your search results are not satisfactory, click here for a list
of occupations in the OSP Database. Once you have found the title
for your occupation or the NOC code, you can click "Back" and
conduct a more targeted search.
or
Search using NOC listings
This search is helpful if you have just a general idea of
the kind of occupation you are interested in (i.e. "Clerical
Occupations") or if you would like to view related occupations.
You will be moving from general categories of occupations (i.e.
"Major Groups" that have 2-digit NOC codes) to the categories of
similar occupations (i.e. "Minor Groups" that have 3-digit codes)
and then finally to the specific occupation (i.e. an individual
occupation that has a 4-digit code).
1. Select one of the listings in the "Major Group" window, then click on the ?Next? button.
2. On the following screen, select one of the listings in the "Minor Group" window, then click the "Next" button.
3. Select the best match from the "Occupation" list and click "Next".
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Choose a Standard or Custom OSP Training Plan
Together with the educator or trainer, select a standard or a customized OSP Training Plan.
- The standard OSP Training Plan will automatically select the most important Essential Skills for the occupation you have chosen. This is a great starting point.
- The customized OSP Training Plan allows you to choose the Essential Skills that you would like to focus on and you can also include job tasks associated with other occupations.
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Choose Essential Skills
You have chosen to create a customized OSP Training Plan. Together with the educator/trainer, select a few skills to focus on during the training program. You can always add more skills at a later time.
The most important Essential Skills for the occupation are displayed at the beginning. They have been automatically selected (with a checkmark) to help you get started but you may add or delete any skill by clicking on the box beside it.
The Ontario Skills Passport focuses on the transferable skills that a learner or job seeker can take from job to job, sector to sector and school to work. The OSP Training Plan is not meant to be a comprehensive job description or a complete list of everything that you may do at a particular job.
TIP: To help to keep the training plan manageable for you and the educator/trainer, focus on a few skills you really want to develop/demonstrate. Celebrate your successes along the way!
Back
Choose Essential Skills Tasks
Sample tasks for the occupation you have chosen are listed by Essential Skill and skill level. The tasks have been automatically selected (with a check mark) to help you get started. With the help of the educator or trainer delete any tasks that may not be appropriate or that you may not have the chance to demonstrate in the training program.
Review the training plan as you build it to ensure that it is kept to a manageable size, somewhere between two and three pages. This will allow you and the educator/trainer to focus on the tasks you will have the opportunity to demonstrate during the training program.
Sample OSP Training Plans Sample Standard OSP Training Plan (Word, 110KB)
Sample Customized OSP Training Plan (Word, 112KB)
Sample Customized OSP Training Plan - combining 2 occupations (Word, 129KB)
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Tips and Steps for Using the OSP Training Plan
Educators/trainers can use the information in the OSP Training Plan to design opportunities for learners to practice and build their Essential Skills using real workplace tasks. Learners should be encouraged to continue working towards the skill level demands of the occupation with the understanding that while they may not be required to satisfactorily demonstrate the most complex tasks when first entering a job, they need to continually develop their Essential Skills and work habits to keep a job and progress in the workplace.
STEP 1: Start by reviewing the OSP Training Plan with learners. Check off Essential Skills tasks and work habits to focus on during training. You may want to begin with a few skills and work habits at first, allowing learners to experience success and then check off more tasks at higher levels as the training progresses.
STEP 2: Educators/trainers record the learners' demonstration of Essential Skills and tasks in the right column of the OSP Training Plan and can write in the date demonstrated if appropriate.
STEP 3: Learners are encouraged to keep a copy of their OSP Training Plan(s) in their portfolio. These skill demonstrations can come in handy when preparing for job interviews to show employers what they can do. They can also use the OSP Tracker to track and plan their skills development over time.
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Please note that it is not possible to save training plans to a central server at the Ministry of Education because of the privacy issues involved with the saving and storing of personal information. You can save an OSP Training Plan on your computer as a Word or WordPerfect document and make changes; however, you will need to go back to the website and start over again if you want to add other skills or tasks from the OSP database to the original training plan.
You have three options for saving and/or
printing a training plan:
- Click on "Save Training Plan in Word" if you would
like to save the training plan on your computer as a MS Word
document. A "File Download" message will appear on your screen
which asks "Do you want to open or save this file?" Click on the
"Save" button. Now you will see a "Save As" message on
your screen. Decide where you want to save your file on your
computer ("My Documents", "A" drive, etc.) and then type in a
file name (i.e. . JDoeTrainingPlanFeb1.2010) and click on "OK".
Once you have saved the training plan, it becomes a "real" document
and you can change the margins, add/delete rows, etc. just like
you would in any MS Word document.
Click here for tips on formatting and printing
your training plan.
- Click on "Save Training Plan in WordPerfect" if you
would like to save the training plan on your computer as a
WordPerfect document. A "File Download" message will appear on
your screen which asks "Do you want to open or save this file?"
Click on the "Save" button. You will now see a "Save As"
message on your screen. Decide where you want to save your file
on your computer ("My Documents", "A" drive, etc.) and then type
in a file name (i.e. JDoeWorkPlanDec.11.04) and click on "OK".
Once you have saved the training plan, it becomes a "real" document
and you can change the margins, add/delete rows, etc. just like
you would in any WordPerfect document. Please note that the first
time you make changes to your saved training plan, a "Save
Format" message will appear which asks if you want to resave the
document as a WordPerfect, RTF (Rich Text Format), etc. Save your
work plan again as a "WordPerfect" document and click on "OK."
Click here for tips on formatting and printing
your training plan.
- Click on "Print Training Plan" to print your training
plan on a PDF template. Please note that if you choose this
option, you cannot save this PDF version of the training plan
on your computer. You can, however, format the page, set the page
size, etc. before you print it. If you have older versions of
Word or WordPerfect, this may be the best option for the
formatting of your training plan.
Click here for Browser and Software
Requirements.
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The following section provide tips on formatting and
printing your training plan to help you create a professional-looking
training plan that you are proud to present to an employer and add to
your portfolio:
- Adding Rows to the "Other Tasks" section- Here
are two different ways to create additional rows:
(1) Click on the last row in the section and click on the "Tab"
button until you see an additional row appear. "Copy" a check box
from the "Check if Demonstrated" column and then "Paste" it into
the new column you have created.
or
(2) Select and highlight the last row and click Copy (Ctrl +C)
and then Paste (Ctrl + V).
- Deleting Rows - To delete a "task row" from your
training plan, highlight the row you would like to delete. Go to the
main menu and select "Table". Now select "Delete" from the pull
down menu and then click on "Rows".
- Typing in the "Other Tasks" section - Check that
the font style is set on" Times Roman" or whichever font appears
in the rest of your document.
- Lines that do not appear in WordPerfect versions
10 and earlier - There is a glitch in the WordPerfect software
that occurs when text is converted from Rich Text Format to a
WordPerfect document. In some cases, you may find that text box
lines do not appear on your computer screen. However, the lines
will appear on your printed document.
- Use "Print Preview" to check your training plan
before you print - After you are satisfied with any changes you
have made, go to the "File" menu and click on "Print Preview".
This allows you to view the training plan before printing it. For example,
you may find that there is only a little information on the last page so you
could delete the spaces between the other sections or adjust the margins.
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Once you get to the "Review Your Training Plan" page on the
website, you will see that the training plan includes an "Other
Tasks" (optional) section. There are two types of additional tasks
that can be inserted into the "Other Tasks" section of the OSP
Training Plan.
- Tasks which are listed in HRSDC's Essential Skills
Profiles but have not yet been added to the OSP database can be
included in the "Other Tasks" section of the training plan. For
example, HRSDC has been developing complexity rating scales for critical
thinking, continuous learning and working with others. Once the
skill levels for these Essential Skills are defined, and
occupation-specific tasks are identified by skill and skill
level, this information will be added to the OSP database. There
is no complexity rating scale for significant use of
memory so occupation-specific tasks will not be assigned a skill
level. In the meantime, if you would like to add tasks associated
with skills that are not yet in the OSP database, copy the task
from HRSDC's Essential
Skills Profiles and then paste it into the "Other Tasks" section
of the work plan. The particular skill can be included in
brackets with no reference to a specific skill level. Here's an
example of how a task associated with the skill "Significant Use
of Memory" can be added to a training plan:
Other Tasks (optional)
| Task
Performed |
Check if
Demonstrated |
| remember the names and faces
of repeat clients and recall details of events in which
co-ordination was flawed, to avoid similar situations in the
future. (Significant Use of Memory) |
|
- Tasks that an educator/trainer identifies as being relevant to the training program which are not part of the OSP database or the Essential Skills Research can also be inserted into the "Other Tasks" section of the training plan; however, no skill or skill level should be assigned to these types of "customized" tasks.
Please keep in mind that the "Other Tasks" section of the training plan is optional and you may not have any tasks to add to this section right now. However, the educator/trainer may identify some tasks that are "customized" to your training program.
Back
Once you have saved your training plan and have had a meeting
with the educator/trainer regarding the skills and tasks that you will
have an opportunity to perform/demonstrate in the training program, you
may need to go back and update the training plan. There may also be
instances in which you have already started your training program
and a decision was made to include additional tasks in the training
plan.
Choose from the following four options when updating
a training plan :
- If there was an agreement to delete tasks from the training
plan, go into the saved version of the training plan (either in Word
or WordPerfect) and delete tasks as necessary.
- If there was an agreement to add in tasks that are
customized to your particular training program (i.e. the tasks are not
in the OSP database), then you can type in these additional tasks
in the "Other tasks" section of the training plan. Please note that
no skill or skill level should be assigned to tasks that are from
outside the OSP database.
- If you would like to add in more tasks from the OSP
database, you can create a whole new training plan. The NOC code(s)
for the occupations you used to create the original training plan are
at the top of page one.
- If you would like to add in more tasks from the OSP
database but do not want to create a whole new training plan,
you can simply add more sheets to the original training plan.
Please consult with the educator/trainer in your training program before making changes to your OSP Training Plan.
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It is recommended that you keep OSP Work Plans that are
completed and signed by an employer in a portfolio and refer to it
as their OSP Portfolio. It can also hold other skill-related
documents, such as an up-to-date résumé and OSP skills
summary chart.
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- The OSP Work Plan that has been completed and signed by
the employer is the official record of the skills and work habits
demonstrated in the workplace. You should file it in your OSP
portfolio.
- Use the information in your portfolio to identify jobs
that match your skills, complete job applications, and prepare
for job interviews.
- You can take the portfolio to job interviews to show the
skills and work habits that you have demonstrated in a variety of
work placements or jobs.
Click here here to view several skills related documents :
Sample Job Advertisement (Word,
20KB)
Sample Cover Letter
(Word, 21KB)
Sample Résumé
(Word, 22KB)
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The OSP skills summary chart is a resource used by passport
holders* to keep an up-to-date summary of the skills and work
habits that they have demonstrated in the workplace.
*The term "passport holders" refers to all learners, job
seekers and workers using the OSP.
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- Update your skills summary chart with the information
recorded in each work plan. Regular updating will help you track
your skill development as it is demonstrated in a variety of work
placements or jobs
- Use your skills summary chart to understand the skills
that you have and identify the skills that you need to develop
- Use the skills summary chart to prepare your next work
plan.
Click
here to view and save a copy of the OSP Skills Summary Chart.
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The Ontario Skills Passport provides clear descriptions of
the skills used in
virtually all occupations and the work habits that are
important for success in life and work. The OSP can help you to
understand the transferability of skills from job to job,
sector to sector, and from school to work.
The OSP can help you to :
- give a name to the skills you already have and help you
to plan further skill development;
- improve your understanding of the skills needed in the
job market;
- collect evidence of your demonstration of skills and
work habits at the workplace;
- track your skill development as demonstrated in a
variety of work placements and jobs;
- make informed decisions about education, training, work
placements, and jobs that will help you reach your career goals;
- make a smooth transition from school to work;
- continue to develop your skills so that you progress in
you career;
- prepare résumés, complete job application
forms, and prepare for job interviews with confidence;
Ready to find out more? Choose one of the
following options :
| Career
Information |
Click here
if you would like to research careers first. We’ll
provide you with links to some popular career exploration
sites. You can return to the OSP website once you have an idea
which occupation(s) you are interested in. |
| Create an OSP Work Plan |
Click
here if you are a learner or job seeker and want to
prepare a work plan for your placement. |
| Search the OSP Database |
Click here if you know
which occupation(s) you are interested in and just want to search
for information on skills and tasks. |
Click here for Instructions for Learners,
Job Seekers, and Workers.
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1. Researching
occupations
Click on one of the websites listed below to get help
selecting an occupation for a cooperative education or work
experience placement. You may want to search for occupations that
are related to your career choices. It may not be possible to get
a cooperative education/work placement in the exact occupation you
want but knowing the occupations that are related to your
career choices can help you find a great place to start.
After you explore one or more of the sites listed below,
come back to the OSP website so you can find out about the
Essential Skills for your occupation(s) of choice :
2. Getting started with the OSP
When you first start to use the Ontario Skills Passport
(OSP), become familiar with the skills in the OSP
database. These skills are used in virtually all occupations.
Also, become familiar with the work habits. Employers
stress that good work habits are a key to success in the
workplace. Employers will be assessing your demonstration of both
skills and work habits at the workplace.
- Note that on the OSP database there are
occupation-specific tasks for each skill. Also note that each
task is assigned a skill level. The skill level for a task
indicates the level of complexity involved in the use of the
skill in that particular task. Skill levels are associated with
workplace tasks and not the worker performing these tasks. Click here for more information on Essential
Skills.
- Work habits are described in terms of attitudes and
behaviours, and do not have tasks or skill levels associated with
them.
3. Selecting an occupation
With the assistance of your teacher or job developer,
choose an occupation that is related to the cooperative education
or work experience placement. You can search the OSP database by
using the 4-digit NOC code, keywords or NOC listings. The quickest
and most direct way to search the OSP database is to enter the 4-digit
NOC code.
Click here
for a list of NOC codes and occupations in the OSP database.
Please note that when searching by keyword, several
attempts using different words might be required. For example, a
search for "secretary" does not yield any result, but a search for
"clerk" or "office" produces several occupations. This is one
reason why a search using the 4-digit NOC code is a more direct
method of finding an occupation.
4. Choosing a standard or a customized work plan
Together with your teacher or job developer, create a work
plan - either a standard work plan or a customized work plan.
- The fastest and simplest procedure is to create a
standard work plan that will automatically select the most
important essential skills for the occupation you have chosen.
This is a great starting point.
or
- You can customize a work plan to better match the
specific workplace opportunities and your interests. You can
choose the skills you would like to include in the work plan and
you also have the option to include job tasks associated with
other occupations.
5. Building a work plan
When you are choosing tasks to include in your work plan
you will notice that each task already has a check mark
beside it. These tasks have been automatically selected to help
you get started but you do not have to include them all in
your work plan!
Read through the list of tasks so that you are familiar
with the kinds of tasks that workers in this occupation may be
asked to perform. Some of the sample tasks listed in the
OSP database may not be suitable for cooperative education
learners. Your cooperative education teacher will assist you in
identifying the tasks that should be deleted from your work plan.
When you are building your work plan try to focus on a few skills
at a time and select the tasks that you will likely have an
opportunity to perform. You can always add more skills and more
tasks at a later date.
Note: Once you get to the "Review Your Work Plan"
page and the website, you will see that the work plan includes an
"Other Tasks (optional)" section. There are two types of
additional tasks that can be inserted into the "Other
Tasks" section of the OSP Work Plan.
- Tasks which are listed in HRSDC’s Essential Skills
Profiles but have not yet been added to the OSP database can be
included in the "Other Tasks" section of the work plan. For
example, HRSDC has been developing complexity rating scales for critical
thinking, continuous learning and working with others. Once the
skill levels for these Essential Skills are defined, and
occupation-specific tasks are identified by skill and skill
level, this information will be added to the OSP database. There
is no complexity rating scale for significant use of
memory so occupation-specific tasks will not be assigned a skill
level. In the meantime, if you would like to add tasks associated
with skills that are not yet in the OSP database, copy the task
from HRSDC’s Essential
Skills Profiles and then paste it into the "Other Tasks" section
of the work plan. The particular skill can be included in
brackets with no reference to a specific skill level. Here’s an
example of how a task associated with the skill "Significant Use
of Memory" can be added to a work plan:
Other Tasks (optional)
| Task
Performed |
Check if
Demonstrated |
| remember the names and faces
of repeat clients and recall details of events in which
co-ordination was flawed, to avoid similar situations in the
future. (Significant Use of Memory) |
|
- Tasks that an employer identifies as being relevant to
the work placement which are not part of the OSP database or the
Essential Skills Research can also be inserted into the "Other
Tasks" section of the work plan; however, no skill or skill level
should be assigned to these types of "customized" tasks.
Please keep in mind that the "Other Tasks" section of the
work plan is optional and you may not have any tasks to add to
this section right now. However, your employer may identify some
tasks that are "customized" to your workplace. It is a good idea
to refrain from making any entries into the "Other Tasks" section
until after you have had discussions with both your employer and
your cooperative education teacher or job developer.
6. Review the work plan with your teacher or job
developer
It is important to review the work plan with your teacher
or job developer before presenting it to your employer. If
you have special needs, your cooperative education teacher or job
developer can assist you and your employer in planning any
supports that may be necessary to enable you to perform the tasks
on which you will be assessed in the work plan.
The Ontario Skills Passport focuses on the transferable
skills that a learner* or job seeker can take from job to job,
sector to sector and school to work. The OSP work plan is not a
comprehensive job description. In other words, it is not a
complete list of everything that you may do at your particular
job. If you want more information on the roles and
responsibilities for specific occupations so that you can create
a job description, go to http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/generic/nocsearch.asp.
*The term "learner" includes high school students and adult
learners.
- TIP : To help to keep the work plan manageable
for both you and your employer, focus on a few skills you
really want to develop/demonstrate. Celebrate your successes
along the way!
7. At the work placement
At the beginning of your work placement, your employer will
review the work plan with you and your cooperative education
teacher or job developer. During this meeting, your employer may
suggest adding or deleting tasks from the original work plan. The
"Other Tasks" section of the work plan was created so that
you may choose to add tasks that are "customized" to your
workplace. Since these customized tasks are not from the OSP
database, simply list the task without a skill or skill level. Click here for more information on how to use the
"Other Tasks" section of the work plan.
After the meeting with the employer, you can update the
work plan as necessary.
Click here for instructions on how to
update a work plan.
8. Tracking and recording your progress
Discuss with your employer how the work plan will be used
to record your progress. Your employer will regularly record with
a check mark the tasks that you successfully perform. Your
employer will also record your progress in the work habits
section. Please note that only employers can complete the entries
in the work plan.
During your work placement or job, your employer may agree
to provide you with the opportunity to perform more tasks. If so,
one or more sheets will be added to your work plan. If you are a
learner or a job seeker, the decision about whether you should be
given additional tasks must be made in consultation with your
cooperative education teacher or job developer.
Click here for instructions on how to
update a work plan.
9. After the placement
After the work placement is finished, your employer will
sign the work plan, initial each page, and give you the completed
work plan. Remember to keep your completed work plan in your OSP
portfolio or your personal records. You can use it to update your
résumé, fill out job application forms, and prepare for job
interviews.
Click here here to view several skills related documents :
Sample Job Advertisement (Word,
20KB)
Sample Cover Letter
(Word, 21KB)
Sample Résumé
(Word, 22KB)
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The OSP can help you to :
- use a consistent method to assess and record skills and
work habits demonstrated in the workplace;
- give constructive and valuable feedback to learners*,
job seekers, and workers on their performance in the workplace;
- identify skills and tasks appropriate to your workplace
for the purpose of preparing job ads or training plans;
- match the skills that people have with the skills
required in the jobs that you offer.
*The term "learners" includes high school students and
adult learners.
Click here for Instructions for
Employers.
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1. Getting started with the OSP
When you first start to use the Ontario Skills Passport
(OSP), become familiar with the skills in the OSP database. These
skills are used in virtually all occupations. Also, become
familiar with the work habits that employers stress are a key to
success in the workplace. You will be assessing the demonstration
of both skills and work habits by a passport holder (i.e.,
learner, job seeker, or worker) in your workplace.
Click here for a
list of skills and work habits in the OSP.
- Note that on the OSP database there are
occupation-specific tasks for each skill. Also note that each
task is assigned a skill level. (The skill level for a task
indicates the level of complexity involved in the use of the
skill in that particular task. Click here for
more information on Essential Skills).
- Work habits are described in terms of attitudes and
behaviours, and do not have tasks or skill levels associated with
them.
2. Prior to the work placement
Review the work plan with the passport holder (i.e. learner
or job seeker). The passport holder has been asked to create a
work plan that focuses on a few skills at a time.
Please check the following :
- Are the skills and tasks listed in the work plan
suitable for your particular workplace situation ?
- Is it likely that the passport holder will have the
opportunity to perform the tasks listed in the work plan ?
You may want to suggest adding or deleting certain tasks as
necessary. The "Other Tasks" section of the work plan was
created so that you may also choose to add tasks that are
"customized" to your workplace. Click here for
instructions on how to update a work plan.
If the passport holder is a learner in cooperative
education or a job seeker, the cooperative education teacher or
job developer will assist you in reviewing and finalizing the work
plan. The cooperative education teacher or job developer can also
assist you in planning any supports that may be necessary to
enable learners or job seekers with special needs to perform the
tasks.
Please note that the Ontario Skills Passport focuses on the
transferable skills that a learner or job seeker can take
from job to job, sector to sector and school to work. It is not
meant to be a comprehensive job description. By focusing on a few
skills at the beginning, it will help you and the passport holder
to celebrate accomplishments and successes along the way. You can
always add more skills and tasks at a later date.
3. Tracking and recording progress
Keep on file a copy of the agreed-upon work plan. Regularly
record with a check mark those tasks that the passport holder
successfully performed. Also record progress in the work habits
section of the passport. There is a section at the end of the work
plan for additional comments. Please note that only employers can
complete the entries in the work plan.
You may consider providing the passport holder with the
opportunity to perform more tasks. If you assign more tasks, one
or more sheets will need to be added to the work plan. If the
passport holder is a learner in cooperative education or a job
seeker, the decision about whether additional tasks should be
assigned must be made in consultation with the cooperative
education teacher or job developer.
Click here for instructions on how to
update a work plan.
4. After the work placement
Check the work plan to make sure your company name,
address, and telephone number are correct. Sign the work plan, and
initial each page of the work plan at the end of the work
placement or job.
You may make a copy of the work plan for your files;
however, please return the original signed copy to the passport
holder.
Now that you are more familiar with the OSP, you may want
to search the OSP database to identify skills and tasks
appropriate to your workplace for the purposes of preparing a job
ad or a training plan.
If you would like to create a job description that lists
specific roles and responsibilities, go to http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/generic/nocsearch.asp.
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Purpose of the OSP
The purpose of the OSP is to document an individual’s
demonstration of Essential Skills and work habits
that are considered to be of great importance in the workplace.
Essential Skills are the generic skills used in virtually all
occupations and that form a foundation for developing more
specialized skills and building confidence in one's ability to
learn and adapt to change.
Click here for more information on
Essential Skills research.
Click here for a
list of skills and work habits in the OSP.
Benefits of the OSP
The OSP can help learners* and job seekers to :
- give a name to the skills they already have and helps to
plan further skills development
- understand the transferability of skills from job to
job, sector to sector, and from school to work
- update a résumé, target job searches and prepare for
interviews
- get constructive feedback from employers so that they
can celebrate their successes along the way
*The term "learners" includes high school students and
adult learners.
Click here for Instructions for Learners,
Job Seekers and Workers.
Click here Instructions for Employers.
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You may use the OSP to :
- improve your understanding of the skills needed in the
job market;
- introduce relevant information on skills and
occupation-related tasks in the classroom.
You may use the OSP to :
- improve your understanding of the skills needed in the
job market;
- identify expanded workplace-based opportunities and
programs for learners;
- match learners with available work placements;
- help learners to improve their skills in writing a
résumé and participating in a job interview;
- help learners to identify topics on which to write
reflections in a journal;
- help learners to write a plan of action for developing
skills at the beginning of the course, including a description of
skills to be developed through their work placement, and to write
a report at the end of the course describing their progress;
- help learners to update their skills summary chart.
You may use the OSP to :
- help learners to improve their understanding of the
skills needed in the job market;
- help learners to discover the skills they already have
and to become aware of the skills they need to develop;
- help learners to make informed decisions about
education, training, work placements, and jobs that will help
them reach their career goals.
You may use the OSP to :
- improve clients’ understanding of the skills needed in
the job market;
- introduce relevant information on skills and
occupation-related tasks in training programs;
- identify expanded workplace-based opportunities and
programs for job seekers;
- assist in the assessment of a job seeker’s skill
competencies;
- match the skills that people have to employment
opportunities;
- develop action plans and on-the-job training plans;
- discuss skill development and job maintenance with job
seekers, career counsellors, and employers.
Click here for a
list of skills and work habits in the OSP.
Click here for Instructions for Teachers
or Job Developers Helping Learners or Job Seekers Use the OSP.
Click here for Instructions for Teachers or Job
Developers Helping Employers Use the OSP.
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1. Getting started with the OSP
Introduce the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) to the passport
holders (i.e. learners* or job seekers). Describe its purpose and
the benefits of using the OSP. Explain that the employer will be
assessing skills and work habits that they demonstrate in the
workplace. Emphasize that only employers can complete the entries
in the work plan.
*The term "learners" includes high school students and
adult learners.
Click here for a
list of skills and work habits in the OSP.
Discuss the skills in the OSP database. These skills
are used in virtually all occupations. Also, discuss the work
habits that are featured in the OSP. Employers stress that good
work habits are a key to success in the workplace.
- Note that on the OSP database there are
occupation-specific tasks for each skill. Also note that each
task is assigned a skill level. The skill level for a task
indicates the level of complexity involved in the use of the
skill in that particular task. Skill levels are associated with
workplace tasks and not the worker performing these tasks. Click here for Research
on Essential Skills.
- Note that some of the sample tasks listed in the
OSP may not be suitable for cooperative education students.
However, reading through the sample task descriptions will give
learners a good idea of the kinds of tasks they may be asked to
perform in a particular occupation.
- Work habits are described in terms of attitudes and
behaviours, and do not have tasks or skill levels associated with
them.
Introduce the passport holders to the OSP database, and
explain the various ways to search the database. You may also need
to introduce them to the National
Occupational Classification (NOC). The "What is a NOC code
?" section of the FAQs may also be helpful at this point. HRSDC
also offers a NOC Training
Tutorial which offers more in-depth explanations of the NOC
system.
Introduce the work plan, and show the different ways
to create a work plan. Explain that only employers complete the
entries in the work plan. Emphasize that the OSP Work Plan
should focus on a few skills and tasks that the learner or job
seeker will have an opportunity to demonstrate at the workplace.
More skills and tasks can always be added at a later date.
Ensure that the passport holder understands the procedures
described in the "Instructions for Learners, Job Seekers,
and Workers" section of the FAQs.
2. Selecting an Occupation
Here are some popular career exploration sites you may want
to use if the passport holder needs help in choosing an occupation
:
3. Building a work plan
As appropriate, help the passport holder to choose either a
standard or a customized work plan. Encourage the passport holder
to take as much responsibility as possible as they are building
their work plans. Provide guidance as required to help the
passport holder to focus on a few skills at a time and
select the tasks that he/she will likely have the opportunity to
perform.
Explain that there are two types of tasks which can be
added to the "Other Tasks (optional)" section of the work plan:
tasks from HRSDC’s Essential Skills Profiles that have not yet
been added to the OSP database such as critical thinking,
continuous learning, working with others and significant use of
memory and "customized" tasks which employers have identified as
being relevant to the work placement. Click
here for more information on using the "Other Tasks" section of
the work plan.
4. At the work placement
Review the work plan with the employer and the passport
holder and finalize the work plan with the employer. Emphasize
that the OSP Work Plan focuses on the transferable skills
that a passport holder can take from job to job, sector to sector
and school to work. It is not meant to be a comprehensive job
description and may not capture every task that is performed at an
individual workplace. By listing a few skills and tasks at the
beginning, the employer and the passport holder can celebrate
their successes along the way. More skills and tasks can always be
added at a later time.
If the employer would like help creating a detailed job
description, you can find information on the roles and
responsibilities for specific occupations at http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/generic/nocsearch.asp.
5. During the work placement
Encourage the employer to regularly record with a check
mark the tasks that the passport holder has successfully
performed. During the work placement, the employer may agree to
provide the passport holder with the opportunity to perform more
tasks. If so, encourage the passport holder to update the work
plan as required.
If the passport holder is a learner in cooperative
education or a job seeker, the decision about whether additional
tasks should be assigned must be made in consultation with the
cooperative education teacher or job developer.
6. After the work placement
Encourage the passport holder to keep the work plan in
their OSP portfolio or personal records. Explain how they can use
work plans to update a skills summary chart and résumé, plan for
the next work experience or job, match interests and skills with
career prospects, fill in a job application, and prepare for
interviews.
Click
here to view several skills related documents :
Click here here to view several skills related documents :
Sample Job Advertisement (Word,
20KB)
Sample Cover Letter
(Word, 21KB)
Sample Résumé
(Word, 22KB)
Click here for Learners and Job Seekers
with Special Needs.
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In helping Learners with special needs,1 cooperative education teachers should draw on
the special education resources of their school and school board
to assist them in supporting the Learners and the employers with
whom they are placed. Cooperative education teachers also need to
be familiar with a learner’s Individual Education Plan (IEP)2 and should ensure that the plan is used as a
guide in selecting the skills on which the learner will be
assessed in the work plan. Cooperative education teachers should
ensure that the accommodations3
identified in a learner’s IEP are available to the learner
in the work placement.
Job Connect job developers should work with other service
providers in the community to ensure that job seekers and
employers receive the services and support that may be necessary
to enable job seekers with special needs to perform the tasks
identified in their work plan.4
1 For
the purposes of the OSP, "learners with special needs"
are learners with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) who may or
may not have been identified as "exceptional pupils"
through the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC)
process, and who are receiving special education programs and
services.
2 Refer to
the Ministry of Education document entitled Individual Education
Plans : Standards for Development, Program Planning, and
Implementation, 2000. Click
here to view this document online.
3 For the
purposes of the OSP, "accommodations" are supports and
services that will enable learners with special needs to
demonstrate their skills. Accommodations change only the way in
which performance of the skills is measured, not the nature or
difficulty of the skills. Some examples are : allowing extra time,
allowing the use of a word processor for writing, and giving
instructions by audiotape or Braille.
4 Job
developers may refer to the document entitled Job Connect/Summer
Jobs Service Guidelines, which is issued by the Ministry of
Training, Colleges and Universities and is available at http://www.jobconnect.edu.gov.on.ca
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- Introduce the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) to the
employer of the learner or job seeker. Describe the purpose
and the benefits of using the OSP. Emphasize that employers are
responsible for assessing skills and work habits demonstrated in
the workplace. Explain that only employers can complete the
entries in the OSP work plan.
Click here for a
list of skills and work habits in the OSP.
- Discuss the skills in the OSP database. These skills are
used in virtually all occupations. Also, discuss the work habits
that are featured in the OSP. Employers stress that good work
habits are a key to success in the workplace.
- Note that on the OSP database there are
occupation-specific tasks for each skill. Also note that each
task is assigned a skill level. The skill level for a task
indicates the level of complexity involved in the use of the
skill in that particular task. Skill levels are associated with
workplace tasks and not the worker performing these tasks. For
more information, click on Research on
Essential Skills.
- Work habits are described in terms of attitudes and
behaviours, and do not have tasks or skill levels associated
with them.
- Ensure that employers become familiar with the OSP
database and that they understand how to create a work plan and
any additional pages that they might want to include in it.
- With each employer, review the work plan of the learner
or job seeker. The work plan lists the tasks that the learner or
job seeker will have an opportunity to demonstrate in the
workplace.
Explain that the "Other Tasks" section is an optional part of the
work plan. Tasks that an employer identifies as being relevant to
the work placement which are not part of the OSP database or
the Essential Skills Research can be inserted into the "Other
Tasks" section of the work plan; however, no skill or skill level
should be assigned to these types of "customized" tasks. Click here for more information on adding tasks
to the "Other Tasks" section of the work plan.
- If necessary, make appropriate changes and provide the
employer with the agreed-upon work plan. Emphasize that the OSP
is meant to focus on a few skills and tasks at a time and that it
is not a comprehensive job description.
- Keep on file a copy of the agreed-upon work plan.
- Ensure that the employer understands the procedures
described in the section of the website entitled Instructions
for the Employer for recording the demonstration of skills and
work habits in the work plan.
- Explain that you will be monitoring the progress of the
learner or job seeker throughout the work placement or job.
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