National Adult Literacy Database

Prepared by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), this fact sheet contains definitions for each of the nine Essential Skills; typical applications for each skill in general terms; and examples of how each skill can be used in a specific trade setting.

For instance, the entry for numeracy defines it as using numbers to solve problems and complete tasks. Typical applications include making calculations and taking measurements, while an example from a specific trade would be a welder using trigonometry to calculate the diagonal distance of a piece of pipe.