Build Your Skills

Essential Skills

Below are some of the most common skills needed for success in the workplace. Take time to honestly reflect on your strengths and areas where you may need more practice. This self-awareness can help you make informed decisions about career paths, identify supports that may be helpful, and focus your energy on building skills in areas that matter most to you.

Once you understand your personal learning and working profile, you can set realistic, achievable goals. By using your strengths to support areas of challenge, you can build effective strategies that move you toward greater independence and success in your chosen field.

As you review the skills below, ask yourself: Which of these am I already strong in? Which ones would I like to improve? Building these skills takes time and practice, but every step you take helps prepare you for long-term success in the workplace.

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Essential Skills for the Workplace

Time management and organization

Arriving prepared, managing your schedule, and completing tasks on time.

Two people working in a woodworking shop, using tools and wearing safety gear

Focus and attention

Staying on task, following instructions, and finishing what you start.

Two people converse over a book in a library

Communication

Asking questions, learning from others, and interacting effectively with coworkers, clients, or customers.

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Stress management

Handling frustration, adapting to change, and responding constructively to feedback or criticism.

Independence and personal responsibility

Completing assigned tasks, following workplace rules, and meeting job expectations with minimal supervision.

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Self-Advocacy

Effectively asking for assistance when needed and advocating for required accommodations and supports (whether informal or formal).

Your Strengths and Challenges

Knowing yourself is an important first step when you are getting ready for a new pathway. This can help you decide what kinds of jobs you might like, how you learn best, what skills you may want to build, and what supports can help you succeed. As you get ready for a new pathway, it is a good time to explore, learn about yourself, and think about what you do well and what you find challenging.

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Explore essential skills

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Do some self-reflection

What subjects, hobbies, or activities do you enjoy? What do you find difficult? You can keep a journal to write down what tasks feel easy and which ones take more effort.

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Talk to people you trust

Ask teachers, coaches, family members, or friends what they think your strengths and challenges are.

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Look at your school documents

Check your report cards, your Individual Education Plan (IEP) if you have one, and any learning assessments. These often show what you are good at and where you can improve.

Your Skill Building Resources

There are many ways to build or strengthen your skills, both inside and outside of school. Here are some opportunities to explore:

In High School

High school is a great time to start practicing and developing the essential skills you’ll need for work and independence. Take advantage of opportunities to learn, try new things, and build your confidence along the way:

Co-Op Programs: Spend time on a job site and practice using real workplace skills. This hands-on experience gives you a feel for the work environment and helps you build confidence.
Volunteer or Part-Time Jobs: Gain experience, practice your skills, and see how your strengths apply in a real-world setting.
Talk to Your Teacher: Meet with your classroom or resource teacher to make a plan for skill development. Goals for improving specific areas can often be added to your IEP as an Alternate Program, helping you and your teachers work together to target areas of need.
Course Selection: Choose courses that teach about the working world, such as a K-Course or KGW – Exploring the World of Work (non-credit bearing courses). These courses can help you learn about careers, workplace expectations, and essential skills.

By exploring these opportunities, you can start building the foundation for future success while still in high school. Every skill you practice now will help you feel more confident and prepared for the workplace later.

Online Skills Courses

Building your skills is easier than ever with online resources. Whether you want to strengthen your workplace skills, boost your confidence, or prepare for further education, there are plenty of options to explore. Here are some great places to start:

Skills for Success: Discover tools to assess your current skills and find ways to improve them. Perfect for identifying areas to focus on and tracking your growth.
Skills for Work & Life: Part of the UP Skills for Work program, this course helps you develop essential skills for learning, work, and daily life.
ABC Skills Hub: An online learning portal that offers flexible, at-home courses through ABC Life Literacy Canada’s programs. Learn at your own pace and build practical skills for life and work.
Adult Learning: Literacy Program (Get SET) – The Get SET (Skills, Education, and Training) program helps you improve reading, writing, math, computer, and other skills. It’s a great way to prepare for further education, apprenticeships, or employment.
Employment Ontario & Local Career Centres: Many local employment services offer online and in-person training, workshops, and job coaching to help you develop skills and prepare for the workforce.

Exploring these resources is a great way to take control of your skill-building journey. Start with one course or program, practice regularly, and watch your confidence and abilities grow.

Making Your Plan

As you focus on skill development, it is helpful to make an explicit plan of how to improve your skills. You'll want to set some goals, create a timeline, and choose how you will accomplish your skill development. Use what you've already learned in this section, explore some of the linked resources on the sidebar, and make a plan using the Skill Development Worksheet.

Skill Building Worksheet

Skill development is crucial to success after high school, and throughout your life. Use this worksheet to make a plan for the skills you want to work on.

Download the Build Your Skills Worksheet!

Next Steps

Now that you’ve explored the skills needed for workplace success and how to begin building them, it’s time to take action. In the next section, Let’s Go, you’ll focus on turning your goals and plans into real steps toward employment.