Shaping Our Skills Framework

In this section, we’ll be taking a closer look at 8 skill areas. Each area will identify abilities that are important to consider when it comes to your skills framework:

• Technology & Execution
• Problem Solving
• Risk Management & Personal Development
• Creativity & a Learning Mindset
• Communication & Inclusion
• Collaboration & Information Sharing
• Adaptability & Balance
• Stress Management

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is the Canadian federal government’s agency which is responsible for improving the standard of living for all Canadians by developing a highly-skilled labour force. In Spring 2021, ESDC launched a new Skills for Success model. It defines a number of key skills needed by Canadians to participate in work, and presents a means for thinking about “how skills translate to job performance in ways that drive business outcomes”. Many of those skills reflect the very same employability skills we just mentioned.

Let’s look at each of these skills categories, after which you will have an opportunity to reflect on each of them. Please note that navigating off this page before downloading your answers will mean losing your progress!

Self-Assessment of Employable Skills

Now that you are familiar with the employability skills that today’s employers are looking for, it’s time to rate your current level of competence with those skills! You will likely find that there are some skills you have developed really well, and others where you could use some work. That’s OK! What’s important is taking an honest look at where you are today, so that you can speak confidently about the skills you already have and decide what other skills could use some development.

You will be presented with a series of statements in the Google Form below. Once you’ve finished filling out the survey, you’ll be able to have your response emailed to you so that you can track your responses and include it in your portfolio. For each statement, think about the way you have worked in the past and how you tend to work right now. Be honest! This exercise will help you understand what’s meant by the various key employability skills, plus you’ll be identifying both the skills you have already developed, along with some you’d like to target for improvement. If you’re not sure how to answer a question, go with your first intuition.  Have fun!