ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Skills for Success
Skills for Success are nine essential skills that the Government of Canada has identified as necessary to participate and thrive in learning, work, and life. These are foundational for building other skills and are important for effective social interaction.
Reading
Find, understand, and use information presented through words, symbols, and images. For example, we use this skill to locate information on forms and drawings, and to read items such as emails, reports, news articles, blog posts and instructions.
Digital
Use digital technology and tools to find, manage, apply, create and share information and content. For example, we use this skill to create spreadsheets, safely use social media, and securely make online purchases.
Collaboration
Contribute and support others to achieve a common goal. For example, at work we use this skill to provide meaningful support to team members while completing a project.
Writing
Share information using written words, symbols, and images. For example, we use this skill to fill out forms and applications, and write emails, reports and social media posts.
Problem Solving
Identify, analyze, propose solutions, and make decisions. Problem solving helps you to address issues, monitor success, and learn from the experience. For example, we use this skill to make hiring decisions, select courses of action and troubleshoot technical failures.
Adaptability
Achieve or adjust goals and behaviours when expected or unexpected change occurs, by planning, staying focused, persisting, and overcoming setbacks. For example, we use this skill to change work plans to meet new deadlines, learn how to work with new tools and improve our skills through feedback.
Numeracy
Find, understand, use, and report mathematical information presented through words, numbers, symbols, and graphics. For example, we use this skill to perform calculations, manage budgets, analyze and model data and make estimations.
Communication
Receive, understand, consider, and share information and ideas through speaking, listening, and interacting with others. For example, we use this skill to listen to instructions, serve customers and discuss ideas.
Creativity & Innovation
Imagine, develop, express, encourage, and apply ideas in ways that are novel, unexpected, or challenge existing methods and norms. For example, we use this skill to discover better ways of doing things, develop new products, and deliver services in a new way.