Task Complexity Example 

The Essential Skills are explained through dimensions. The dimensions are measured through levels of  complexity, on a scale from 1 (most basic) to 5 (most advanced). 

The complexity levels were developed to explain the differences in skill needs between occupations. HRDC's Essential Skills profiles on the their website provide more details on the specific skills and complexity levels in over 350 occupations.

 Oral Communications Example

A trades helper , an engineering technologist  and a civil engineer  all need oral communication to do their jobs well. However, the form and complexity for oral communication is different for each one. For example, take look at how complexity levels in oral communication increase between occupations:

• A trades helper may “participate in...staff meetings...to discuss...projects  (level 2).
• An engineering technologist might “discuss technical matters with clients and the general public ” 
(level 3).
• A civil engineer may “may facilitate and lead public information sessions... ” (level 4).

In the three jobs above, the complexity levels increase with the skill demands, peaking with the civil engineer. The table below lists the four dimensions of oral communication vertically. then, on the horizontal, it gives a glimpse of the peak demand in their complexity focusing on levels 2 to 4.