Essential Skills for Employment

22Essential Skills for Employment

Acknowledgements

Partners for this project include:

Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford Local Training Board

Goodwill Ontario Great Lakes

Literacy London Inc.

London Employment Help Centre

Pathways Skill Development & Placement Centre

Thank you to the following organizations for distributing the employer survey:

Strathroy and District Chamber of Commerce

London Chamber of Commerce

Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce

Ingersoll District Chamber of Commerce

Woodstock District Chamber of Commerce

St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce

The London Economic Development Corporation

The Human Resources Professionals Association of London & Distinct

This is a Literacy Link South Central project.

This project was funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Offi ce of Literacy

and Essential Skills

Literacy Link South Central213 Consortium Court London, OntarioN6E 2S8

[email protected]


Introduction by Debra Mountenay, Executive Director Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford Local Training Board

As an employer, I know that there are skills that all of my employees must have in

order to do their work. In fact, all employees need a certain set of skills to be

effective and effi cient in their workplace. These skills are called Essential Skills.

Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and

international agencies have identifi ed and validated nine Essential Skills. These

skills are used in nearly every occupation and throughout daily life, in different

ways and at different levels of complexity.

As employers, we also all know that the level of skill required in each of these

areas varies from industry to industry and, in many cases, from business to

business– but what are the skill priorities today? We did some market research to

fi nd out, and asked 60 local employers from the counties of Elgin, Middlesex, and

Oxford in Southern Ontario to identify where they see the priorities for the future

workforce.

An electronic survey was developed to explore

• skill levels currently used in workplaces

• tools used to assess prospective employees against Essential Skills

• future skill requirements employees will need to adapt to

innovations and processes

Reading Text

Document Use

Numeracy

Writing

Oral Communication

Working with Others

Continuous Learning

Thinking Skills

Computer Use

Essential Skills


Introduction (cont.)

Employers – all sectors and all sizes – answered. What we found is that

employers unknowingly rate Essential Skills as the skills they require for a

successful workforce, yet they may not be using the tools that are available to them to

assess whether employees have these Essential Skills.

Résumés often talk about education and experience, but they don’t tell an

employer how well the applicant works with others, thinks through a problem, or

uses documents.

To ensure the sustainability of small, medium and large businesses in all business

sectors, companies require employees with well-developed Essential Skills. This

helps them to cope with increasing job complexity and changing technology.

Essential Skills for Employment: What Résumés Won’t Tell You provides an

overview of how other employers determine whether potential hires have the skills

they need in their workplace. In this report you will also fi nd how to determine the

Essential Skills needed for your workplace and how they can play a role in your

hiring process.

What about you?

Do you agree with the answers we received? Do you know what role Essential

Skills play in your workplace? Do you hire employees based on these nine Essential

Skills?

We welcome your input. Send your comments to [email protected]

Introduction (cont.)


Who responded to this survey?

Sixty (60) organizations from the counties of Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford in Southwestern Ontario responded to the survey.

Industry Sector

Who responded to this survey?

20.9% (9)

9.3% (4)

4.7% (2)

4.7% (2)

20.9% (9)

2.3% (1)4.7% (2)7.0% (3)4.7% (2)

4.7% (2)

2.3% (1)

11.6% (5)

9.3% (4)

23.3% (10)

Manufacturing

Sales & Distribution

Temporary Help Agencies

Health Care

Service

Legal

Construction & Landscape

Public Service

Financial

Communication Radio, Print,TVTransportation

Consulting

Not For Profit

Other

Industry Sector

20.9%

9.3%

4.7%

4.7%

20.9%

2.3%

4.7%

7.0%

4.7%

4.7%

2.3%

11.6%

9.3%

23.3%

Employers who responded to this survey were from the following industry sectors:


Number of Employees

25.6% (11)

18.6% (8)

2.3% (1)23.3% (10)

7% (3)

4.7% (2)

18.6% (8)

1-30

31- 70

71-100

101-250

251-500

500-750

more than 750

25.6%

18.6%

2.3%

23.3%

7.0%

4.7%

18.6%

Number of Employees

The following refl ects the number of employees in the workplace of those who responded to the survey.


What did they say?What did they say?

Question:

Do your employees have the basic skills required for your company to be competitive during the next 3 years?

People who show strong skills in reading, working with others and oral communication should be well-positioned within corporations. comment by project partners

Essential Skills can help you benchmark consistent job requirements and establish succession planning to meet your organization’s current and future needs. Essential Skills: The foundation of workplace safety and productivity April 2008

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Computer use: variety and complexity

Thinking skills: problem solving, decision making,planning and organizing

Continuous learning: Ongoing process of aquiringskills and knowledge

Working with others: to complete tasks

Oral communication: exchange information

Writing: text, filling in forms, typing

Numeracy: using numbers in quantitative terms

Document use: graphs, lists, drawing, signs

Reading text: reading sentences or paragraphs

25

27

31

39

38

35

34

29

39

24

22

17

16

16

16

13

17

17

9

9

9

3

4

7

10

12

2

1

No

Minimal

Acceptable

Yes

NA


Question:

When hiring new employees, or selecting current employees for other positions, do you have any methods to assess the person’s strengths and/or weaknesses in the following 9 skills?

What did they say?What did they say?

The interview may be the method of assessment for oral communication. I would be curious to know if someone uses a specifi c tool to measure oral communication skills during the hiring process. comment by project partners

The Essential Skills web-site has FREE, printable reading, document use and numeracy indicator exercises to use during your recruitment and succession planning process. http://srv108.services.gc.ca/english/general/tools_apps_e.shtml

23

15

34

31

11

20

28

27

20

33

40

21

25

44

35

27

28

35

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Computer use

Thinking skills

Continuous learning

Working with others

Oral communication

Writing

Numeracy

Document use

Reading text

Yes

No


Question:

What do you consider to be the highest skill training need for your

The following list represents the most often identifi ed skill training needs.

(56 responses) One response identifi ed high school/college/university as the skill

level. This response indicates an education level versus a skill level.

• Communication with co-workers and people in other departments,

including safety instructions and related work procedures (11)

• Thinking – includes understanding what is being said, analyzing

information, logical presentation of thoughts, planning oral responses and

work plans, and problem solving (11)

• Working with Others and team building, achieving common goals, cross

training (7)

• Writing - attention to details; Reading Text– both speed and

comprehension (7)

• Computer Use - MS offi ce, Excel, email, programmable controllers (6)

• Effectively managing attendance (4)

• Numeracy - all applications related to numbers such as mathematics –

and formulas (4)

• Accepting/managing change (3)

• Reading - English (2)

Change is showing more and more everywhere. It’s good to see employers are it realizing it and embracing it. comment by project partners

Employers were asked Thinking of your own workplace, what kinds of skills do you consider to be Essential Skills? Top three Essential Skills listed:• Oral Communication • Working with Others • Computer UseReport- Essential Skills in Canadian Workplaces, 2007; 1500 employers were surveyed

current employees?


Question:

What do you consider the greatest need for skill improvement amongjob applicants?

The following list represents the most often identifi ed skill improvements:

(54 responses)

• Communication, communication, communication!!!!! All forms

– oral, written (particularly with resumes), spelling and grammar,

listening, working with others, taking time to ensure understanding

(several references to the book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by

Stephen Covey.) (25)

• Continuous Learning – understanding and applying current

technologies, theories, concept, and computer applications. (15)

• Thinking Skills, problem solving,– critical/lateral/creative thinking

outside the box. (9)

• General responses such as, “as above, ditto, trades positions, same,

demonstrating enthusiasm. “ (5)

The results of this question reinforce what we are telling our clients in the employment sector: communication skills, problem solving skills, and continuous learning are important. comment by project partners

Problem solving (Thinking Skills), teamwork (Working with Others) and verbal communication (Oral Communication) were top three Essential Skills identifi ed by management. 2007-2008 Annual Management Issue Survey. Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters


Question:

With reference to the responses in the previous 2 questions briefl y identify if training/development needs have changed from past years and if so, in what

(Enter N/A if training/development needs have remained the same.)

The following list represents the most often identifi ed responses to how

training/development needs have changed, and in what ways: (54 responses)

• Workplaces have become more integrated and computerized,

resulting in less interaction between employees, need for continuous

learning in all business aspects, particularly with computer applications. (6)

• Same needs, just more critical than in the past. (3)

• New learning centre to ensure appropriate training for all levels of

staff – a 4 hour orientation “Bronze” program for staff, back up for

Department Manager “Silver” program and a “Gold” program for

Department Manager training. (3)

• Increasing emphasis on health & safety issues, processes, procedures

and monitoring. (3)

• More emphasis on dealing with people/customers. (3)

• With job applications being mostly on line, and new accessibility

standards being developed, there is need to ensure web applications are

accessible to all. Language and diversity issues will be a rising concern. (2)

31 responded N/A, and 3 responses were too general to defi ne.

The increased use of technology for communication puts additional pressure on employees to have solid communication skills. They need to be clear in the messages that they send. comment by project partners

ways.

People with low literacy levels may be good performers in their current jobs. They have learned their jobs by example and instinct, and through experience. However, they are likely to be slower to respond to new developments and change. Business Results Through Essential Skills and Literacy - Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Ontario


Question:

Employers are moving toward more innovative prosesses. What skills will be required by your employees to enable them to adapt to new innovations and the accompanying processes?

Skills that employees will need to enable them to adapt to new innovations

and accompanying processes:

(4 “optional” comments)

• Sharing information

• Listening

• Showing initiative

• Personal development that is sustainable – reading, writing and

mathematics

0 10 20 30 40 50

Computer use

Thinking skills

Continuous learning

Working with others

Oral communication

Writing

Numeracy

Document use

1 37

47

35

45

46

31

28

34

34

14

7

17

9

8

20

21

17

19

4

2

3

2

2

4

7

8

3

1

1

Not at all important

Somewhat important

Important

Essential

N/A

Reading text


It makes sense that employers listed Thinking Skills, Working with Others and Oral Communication as the top three skills. These are the skills that will help workplaces deal with change. comment by project partners

Nine in ten employers say that Essential Skills are very important for improving customer satisfaction, the overall success of the organization and improving the productivity of employees.Report- Essential Skills in Canadian Workplaces, 2007


Question:

Please indicate if the skill level will be at the Basic or Advanced level for entry positions in your company by placing a check in the appropriate box.

0 10 20 30 40 50

Computer use

Thinking skills

Continuous learning

Working with others

Oral communication

Writing

Numeracy

Document use

Reading text

25

42

26

37

37

22

16

15

21

30

12

28

17

12

32

38

39

33

Basic

Advanced

(5 “optional” comments)

• Skill level will vary depending on the job description and the supervisory

level

• Depends on the position. Some of the entry level positions will require

advanced skills whereas other introductory positions just need basic skill

levels


• Most positions require advanced, but it would certainly be role specifi c.

Too many roles in healthcare to identify each case. I would say advanced

for almost all positions.

• Depends on the position – warehouse versus offi ce.

• Always willing to develop other employee’s supervisory skills.

Global competition and evolving technology increases the need for highly skilled employees. comment by survey developer

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. Ontario Skills Passport-Ministry of Education


Question:

In the spaces below, using key words, please identify what formal tools you use to assess applicants’/employees’ Essential Skills. If not assessed, please enter "N/A".

Of the respondents to this question, the following list represents the summary of

comments for each of the Essential Skills:

Reading text: 42 responses, reading assignments (7) presentations (7)work instructions (7)online aptitude/competency testing (6) role-plays (2)not applicable (16)too general to defi ne (3)

Document Use: 41 responsesinterpreting patient charts (5)simulation exercises (3)written component (2) completing electronic forms (2)not applicable (25)too general to defi ne (4)

Numeracy: 41 responses fi nancial simulations (6)computer evaluations (5) Excel testing (1)measuring (1) PREVUE assessments (1)not applicable (24)

Writing: 41 responsesresumes (4)written responses to interview

written questions and answers (4)reports (3)aptitude testing (1)patient reports (1)completing forms (1) emails during the interview process (1)proposals (1)scripts for broadcasting (1)not applicable (15)too general to defi ne (3)

questions (4)

too general to defi ne (3)


Oral Communication: 42 responsesdefi ne - telephone and face-to-face

shift transfer briefi ngs (1)behaviour-based questions (1)projects (1) presentations (1)role plays (1)not applicable (8)too general to defi ne (1)

interviews (28)

Working with Others: 42 responsesdefi ne - reference checks (8) team experiences (5) PREVUE assessments (2)DISC (DiSC Profi le is a self-scored behavioural assessment. Behavioural styles are grouped in four categories: Dominance, Infl uence, Steadiness and

Continuous Learning: 42 responsesskills listings as part of application process (12)

history of courses taken (2)internal and external training courses (2) behavioural evaluation 2yearly learning plans 1.not applicable (22)too general to defi ne (1)

Oral Communication: 41 responsestesting (11)interview process (10)performance reviews (2)presentations (1)

PERVUE assessments (2)

not applicable (17)too general to defi ne (4)

Conscientiousness.) (2)


Computer Use: 41 responsesexercises in MS Offi ce, Excel, electronic forms (other than job application process), assessing ability to access electronic records (11)requirement to complete computer testing as part of the application process (8)computerized application process (4)not applicable (16)too general to defi ne (2)

Employers may be using the application process to informally test people’s Essential Skills (for example- resumes, phone conversations and written tests during interviews). comment by project partners

Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES) has undergone an extensive psychometric review and nation-wide fi eld-testing involving thousands of Canadians to ensure its validity. These results prove that TOWES is the best measure of Essential Skills in Canada. TOWES website www.towes.com


Question:

2.57

3

2.63

3.07

2.7

2.59

3.11

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5

Computers Use Tools

Thinking Skills Tools

Working with Others Tools

Writing Tools

Numeracy Tools

Document Use Tools

Reading Text Tools

Please rate the effectiveness of the methods used in the previous question,using a scale of 1-4 with 1 being poor and 4 being excellent.

40 responses. No additional comments provided.

For more information on Essential Skills hiring tools that are available to employers, see Think, Know, Do at the end of this report.


For each of the following Essential Skills, please provide typical examples of skills the employee would need to demonstrate ability to perform. For example, for Reading Text: read detailed work instructions, accident investigation reports, policies and procedures.

The following represents a summary of comments on how Essential Skills are

used in the workplace.

(33 responses)

Reading Text

bulletins

work orders

policies and procedures

newsletters;

technical specifi cations

computer programming languages

emails

accident reports

schedules

task lists

box labels

patient charts

medical observation notes

Question:

detailed student documents

maps

feedback

matching up parts to use in an assembly

MSDS sheets

reading pick tickets in the warehouse

inventory sheets

fl oor plans

customer orders

technical requirements/drawings

reading on-air (radio)

laws and taxation issues.

process


Document Use

blueprints

work instructions

accident forms

technical function specifi cations

work schedules

refrigeration temperature logs

formatting and inserting

information

Numeracy

projections

basic math calculations

interpreting number reports/budgets

production runs, order checking

calculating tuition amounts

adding on time cards

balancing petty cash

invoicing

complete retail transactions, making change and verifying jackpots

achieving sales objectives

collect and account for money.

creating reports

organizing complex job information

audit reports

pick tickets

project plans

ability to skim documents and organize bypriority, prepare and understand spreadsheets.


Writing

writing letters/emails/memos

reports

work instructions

presentations, creating Power Point

writing meeting minutes

formal documents, proposals; professional documents

newsletters, advertising, writing news scripts

fi lling out forms

purchase orders

completing forms

specifi cations; customer and sales information

Oral Communication

presentations

face-to-face meetings

teleconferencing; clear directions

work orders

speaking to peers and supervisors

answer phones

instructions to team

speaking with offi ce staff

mentoring others

explaining problems

engage with others in focus groups facilitated

excellent grammar.

by other people


Continuous Learning

open to new ideas

change thinking

problem solving

applying learning on the job

educate to stay current

new systems and processes

policy changes

new skills – AZ and DZ licences

leadership, career development

Working With Others

meetings

problem solving

confl ict resolution

goal setting

inter-offi ce relationships

team successes

focus group involvement

project participation

working with different teamsdealing with public/upset people, patience in answering questions/explaining concepts.

ongoing training or cross-training toenhance ability to assist customers or for promotional opportunities

learning new technologies

expanding knowledge of local issues.


It’s important that when talking about Essential Skills we keep in mind that each industry uses them differently. comment by project partners

79 per cent of respondents to a Conference Board of Canada study said productivity increased because of basic skills programs in their workplaces. – The Economic Benefi ts of Improving Literacy Skills in the Workplace, Conference Board of Canada, 2007

Thinking Skills

analysis

creative thinking

detailed and logical problem solving

confl ict management

thinking ahead

thinking like a customer

common sense required

analysis of patient information

deal with emergent issues

thinking continuous improvement

working through student issues

diagnosing issues

original thinking

problem solving when not enough

items in stock

daily problem solving

problem solving technical issues

read

comprehend instructions/questions.

working on assignments with no supervision

customer sales – how to help customers resolve concerns

understand and perform practical exercises

suggesting changes to work procedures


Computer Skills

learn and operate SAP computer system

access required information when needed

order processing

creating word programs

Excel, spreadsheets, budgets, project planning

using time clocks

stock checking, using cash registers and weigh scales, email

data input and verifying data

PeopleSoft, MS Offi ce Suite

repair and parts manual/internet based

tying computers to vehicles

audio editing (radio)

quality assurance data access and use graphs

work instructions

demonstrate comfort level using equipment.


How are the Essential Skills used in your company?

Reading Text

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Document Use

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Numeracy

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Think


Writing

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Oral Communication

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Working with Others

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

ThinkHow are the Essential Skills used in your company?


How are the Essential Skills used in your company?

Thinking Skills

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Computer Use

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Continuous Learning

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Think


How could knowing this help you to hire the right people for your workplace?

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Essential Skills: How do they rate in your company?(1-9, with 1 being the most important)

� Reading Text � Document Use� Numeracy � Writing� Oral Communication � Working with Others� Thinking Skills� Computer Use� Continuous Learning

Think


Discover the Essential Skills that are needed for your workplace

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)(Free Essential Skills Toolkits for employers)

Below is list of just some of the items you may be interested in. Download the toolkits or order them for free!

Organizational Needs AssessmentThis needs assessment allows you to determine whether skills gaps are impacting your business performance. This could offer valuable insight into the current skills situation and training needs in your organization.

Workplace SurveyThis survey can help you examine the Essential Skills of your organization as a whole or can be applied to different individuals or groups (e.g. all employees in a certain occupation). Individual employees may also want to complete the survey as an assessment of their own skills.

Workplace Check-upThis tool is designed to help employers gather employee feedback on Essential Skills in the workplace. The information collected will provide employers with a better understanding of the training needs of their organization. Employers may fi nd it useful to complete the chart and compare their responses with those of their employees.

Know


Hiring ChecklistThis tool is designed to support employers’ hiring decisions. Finding out which Essential Skills a potential employee would bring to the workplace is important. It can help determine if the skills a candidate demonstrates match the skills required for the position being fi lled.

Essential Skills Interview Assistant CD

This CD is a tool that you can customize for your workplace. It will help you prepare to conduct interview sessions with job candidates. It provides Essential Skills-based assessment questions for certain job and possible answers.

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/essential_skills/general/home.shtml

Know

National Occupational Classifi cation (NOC) Codes

Over the past several years, the Government of Canada has conducted extensive research examining the skills people use in the workplace. From this research and through interviews with workers, managers, practitioners and leading researchers, close to 200 Essential Skills profi les for various occupations have been developed. Search the NOC codes that match the work your company does to fi nd what Essential Skills are needed.

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/noc/index.shtml

Also at this site is a free guide:

“Job Descriptions: An Employers’ Handbook -How to write them - How to use them”

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/noc/employers/emplr_hand-books.shtml


Know if your employees have the skills they need to succeed

Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES)

Many employers have been using years-in-school or other credentials to measure an applicant’s abilities. By doing this, employers could be limiting their chances of hiring the best employees for the job, as some employees have the skills but not the educational credentials. TOWES gives employers a way to set reasonable and valid entry-level job requirements. TOWES testing is offered through local colleges (at a cost). Find if your employees have the skills they need to work effectively.

TOWES.com

Measure Up!

A free web-based tool that helps employees to test their own Essential Skills. Each problem set is based on a document - a memo, catalogue, regulations, work order - associated with the workplace. These online activities could give employees a chance to see what skills they have and what skills they need to improve.

measureup.towes.com

Know


• Identify the NOC codes that are used in your organization skills.edu.gov.on.ca

Select “Occupation and Tasks” from the tool bar at the top of the page. Select “Sort by Title” to fi nd a listing of occupations

• Create a job ad or job description that focuses on Essential Skills and habits needed for your workplace skills.edu.gov.on.ca

Find the following “Employer Tools” in the tool bar at the top of the page • Create a job ad or job description • Tips for interviewing and hiring • Tips for giving feedback on job performance

• Review your hiring process to see if you are hiring based on skills and not just academic achievement

• Encourage employees to build their Essential Skills skills.edu.gov.on.ca

Select “Check-up Tools” from the tool bar at the top. Self-assessments are available for employees to explore what Essential Skills they can improve.

• Plan for professional development to address gaps in Essential Skills in your organization

Contact Literacy Link South Central to discuss your training needs (see information on the back cover.)

Do

Content for the employer survey report was compiled by:

EMOLTB is funded by:

The employer survey for this report was designed by Richard Weston, Weston Management Resources and Deb Mountenay, Executive Director, EMOLTB, with valuable input from the Project Partners

Literacy Link South Central

Literacy Link South Central services the 6 counties of Oxford, Elgin, Middlesex, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk, as part of the Employment Ontario system. We help adults in our community to build their literacy and Essential Skills for success at work.

We can help you to: • determine your workplace literacy and Essential Skills needs • connect with literacy and Essential Skills providers in your community

Literacy Link South Central [email protected] (519) 681-7307www.llsc.on.ca

Documents

Essential Skills for Employment