Essential Skills Manual - Automotive Service Technician

Computer Use

GUIDELINES

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

TECHNICIAN

NOC 7321

Page 201

Automotive Service Technician

NOC 7321

Learners will use computer technology to access and

interpret information and to communicate

Introduction

The workforce is constantly changing. Today’s employees are highly mobile, expect
continuous learning to be an integral part of their job, and are adapting to a
technological world. In fact, technology has changed the very fabric of the
workplace, and, as a result, workers are expected to acquire a broad range of skills
if they are to remain current, accurate and competitive. Trades occupations are no
exception. For example, automation in plants and factories has demanded an
increased knowledge of networking and software use; lathes and cutting tools are
often linked to computers; and entrepreneurs require skills in word processing,
accounting, email and Internet use and database management.

This Computer Use (CU) course has been designed to help workers adapt to this
ever-changing society. It is intended for individuals who are inexperienced
computer users but who want to gain some hands-on skill and confidence. It
assumes no previous knowledge of computers and will provide learners with a
broad overview of computer and internet technology. The following major topic
areas are explored:

ƒ Computer Operations ƒ Word Processing

ƒ File Management ƒ Spreadsheets

ƒ Email ƒ Web Browsing

ƒ Safe Use of Computers

The following guide outlines a list of recommended resources (see Appendix A) for
each objective in the Computer Use curriculum framework and, where possible,
includes online website materials that complement these resources. Because
computer skills are generic in the workplace, this course is not contextualized to
specific trades. Apprentices, however, should be provided with examples of how
computers are used in their respective trade. Contextualized website lists are
provided in Appendix B.

The list of resources has been designed to act only as a guide and may, therefore,
need to be adapted to meet the needs of individuals or groups. It is the role of you,
the instructor, to choose materials and deliver its content as it best suits individual
learner needs. A variety of materials are listed under each set of competencies for
this purpose.

Note: The computer use curriculum can be used in one of two ways: as a stand-alone
course or embedded in other Essential Skills curriculum. For instance, computer use
competencies (i.e., email, word processing) and writing competencies may be
mastered concurrently.