Essential Employability Skills (EES) are a mandatory component of Ontario College Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma programs, as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. These skills are critical for workplace readiness, enabling graduates to perform effectively in diverse professional settings. EES are intentionally assessed and integrated into all programs to ensure students develop the competencies necessary for career success.
What are Essential Employability Skills (EES)?
EES are transferable skills that support students’ personal and professional growth. They complement technical knowledge and vocational competencies, helping graduates meet workplace demands. The Ontario Government identifies 11 Essential Employability Skills, grouped into six broader categories:
- Communication (EES 1 & 2)
- Communicate clearly, concisely, and correctly in written, spoken, and visual formats to meet audience needs.
- Respond effectively to written, spoken, or visual messages.
- Numeracy (EES 3)
- Execute mathematical operations accurately.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving (EES 4 & 5)
- Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
- Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and address issues.
- Information Management (EES 6 & 7)
- Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and systems.
- Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from various sources.
- Interpersonal (EES 8 & 9)
- Show respect for diverse opinions, values, and belief systems.
- Work collaboratively in teams to foster effective relationships and achieve goals.
- Personal (EES 10 & 11)
- Manage time and resources effectively to complete projects.
- Take responsibility for one’s own actions, decisions, and consequences.
Integrating and Assessing EES
To integrate EES into your course, intentional planning is required to create meaningful learning opportunities where students can develop and demonstrate these skills. Consider the following strategies:
- Relevance to the Field: Identify how EES apply in your discipline (e.g., client communication, teamwork, budgeting).
- Application in Learning Activities: Design assignments, activities, and projects that allow students to practice and refine EES.
- Frequent Evaluation: Assess each EES at least twice throughout the program to ensure consistent skill development.
Why EES Matter
Employers consistently prioritize employability skills over technical knowledge when hiring and evaluating employees. EES ensure graduates can:
- Identify and solve workplace problems effectively.
- Communicate clearly with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively in diverse teams.
- Adapt to changing environments and manage responsibilities efficiently.
Consider
Reflect on which EES you can intentionally integrate into your course. Where can you explicitly teach EES that naturally align with your content? How can you incorporate EES into the evaluation criteria for assessments?
EXAMPLE: Alien Technology 101
Here is a sample of how EES can be identified as part of your course:
| Teach | Assess | The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to: |
|---|---|---|
| ☒ | ☒ | Communication: Communicate clearly in written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets audience needs. |
| ☒ | ☒ | Respond effectively to written, spoken, or visual messages. |
| ☐ | ☐ | Numeracy: Execute mathematical operations accurately. |
| ☐ | ☒ | Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. |
| ☐ | ☒ | Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. |
| ☒ | ☐ | Information Management: Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. |
| ☒ | ☒ | Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. |
| ☐ | ☒ | Interpersonal: Show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others. |
| ☐ | ☒ | Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals. |
| ☐ | ☐ | Personal: Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects. |
| ☐ | ☐ | Take responsibility for one’s own actions, decisions, and consequences. |
✐ Blueprint in Action
Prepare Your Crew for Liftoff
Help students develop the skills they need to thrive in any workplace. Use the Essential Employability Skills section of the Course Outline Template to integrate these critical skills into your course.