Reading

The ability to 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.

Writing

The ability to 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.

We write to communicate ideas and information to other people. In today’s world, we require writing skills that are suitable for different situations including digital platforms. Knowing what to write, how much to write, and in which style to write is important. Writing skills ensure our writing is suitable for our purpose, the intended reader, and the context.

Numeracy

The ability to 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.

The modern economy requires numeracy skills that go beyond basic arithmetic. Understanding numbers remains critical to functioning in today’s society. Many jobs require the ability to work with numbers and math, as does active citizenship. Numeracy skills show up in a wide variety of daily contexts, including managing your finances and making sense of statistics in the news.

Digital

The ability to 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.

Digital technology has changed the way we find and share information, solve problems, and communicate with others. Most jobs now use digital skills, and, given so much of our daily communication and routines now involve computers, digital skills are connected to other skills such as reading, writing and numeracy.

Problem Solving

The ability to 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.

Every day we use information to make decisions, solve problems, and take actions. This can include thinking about different ways to complete a task and choosing the best solution, or deciding what to do first when several activities are competing for our attention. The ability to think, make decisions, and solve problems effectively improves the way we carry out activities, and meet goals and deadlines at work or in other daily life situations.

Strong problem-solving skills will help us gather the right information, identify and solve problems, and make better decisions. As we learn from these experiences, we will strengthen our problem-solving skills and more quickly and effectively adapt to change.

Communication

The ability to 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.

Strong communication skills help us share information in a way that others can clearly understand. We also need strong communication skills to listen to, pay attention to, and understand others. In all jobs, communication skills are important for developing good working relationships with co-workers and clients, including those from different backgrounds and cultures. We also need these skills to work effectively in a team, understand a variety of viewpoints, and to gather and share information while problem solving – whether at work or in our daily life.

Collaboration

The ability to 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.

Today people are more connected within communities, across the country, and around the world. Modern workplaces are more diverse, and many jobs require us to work with others from different backgrounds and cultures to complete tasks and solve problems. It is important to be able to work respectfully with people who have different professions, experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.

Collaboration skills help us perform better in a team by understanding how to support and value others, manage difficult interactions, and contribute to the team’s work.

Strong collaboration skills help us build and maintain positive relationships with others at work, in school, and in other parts of our life.

Adaptability

The ability to 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.

Major changes in society are affecting how we work, live, and learn, and require us to constantly adapt to change. Strong adaptability skills help us deal effectively with change and to learn new skills and behaviours when needed, stay focused on our responsibilities and goals, and not give up when situations are difficult. They will help us stay positive and manage the stress that can come from change in the workplace, community, and our life at home.

Creativity and Innovation

The ability to 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.

Creativity and innovation skills help us come up with new, unique, or “outside the box” ideas or to approach something differently than in the past, both at work and outside work. A curious mindset that finds inspiration from a broad range of experiences and perspectives helps develop creativity and innovation skills. Employers are increasingly seeking people who can apply creativity and innovation skills to their work in our increasingly diverse settings, and to come up with new solutions or approaches to tackling challenges. With strong creativity and innovation skills, we can also support and inspire others to develop their own creativity and innovation