September 26, 2013 – Skills Canada (SCC)—a not-for-profit organization promoting careers in skilled trades and technologies—launched a national awareness campaign to promote the importance of essential skills for young people who are seeking to build careers in Canada’s skilled trades sectors.

“To ensure that Canada continues to have a strong skilled workforce, it is important to inform youth, parents and educators about the core requirements in building successful careers in skilled trades and technologies,” said Christianne Scholfield, director, Essential Skills, SCC.

The 9 Essential Skills campaign highlights the basic skills identified by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that provide the foundation for learning all other skills: Numeracy, Oral Communications, Working with Others, Continuous Learning, Reading Text, Writing, Thinking, Document Use and Digital Skills.

“Working together with government, business and education partners, this campaign will highlight the essential skills that are critical in ensuring the skilled trades and technologies workforce is trained and equipped to meet and adapt to the evolving needs of employers,” added Scholfield.

The 9 Essential Skills national awareness campaign coincides with Essential Skills Day, September 27, 2013, an annual initiative of ABC Life Literacy Canada which seeks to raise awareness about the importance of workplace literacy and essential skills training.