Lesson #3: What lack of Essential Skill(s) played a role in the DVD?

To develop an understanding of why Essential Skills are important for life, learning and work.

• know why the accident happened in the video and know which essential skills weren’t used
• know why essential skills are important for everyday life, and work
• understand why improving your Essential Skills is so important

Essential Skills are used every day at home, work or school. Not learning the Essential Skills needed or not using Essential Skills at all can lead to problems, sometimes serious problems.

In the DVD, Bill is killed in a propane BBQ accident. During their investigation, the ESI agents discover 3 people played a role in causing the accident. These people are

• Bill
• the gas station attendant
• the gas station manager

The accident happened because they each either didn’t have the level of Essential Skill they needed or didn’t use the Essential Skills they already had. As a result, Bill died.

Not having the level of Essential Skills needed or not using Essential Skills doesn’t always lead to outcomes that are that serious. However, not having the right level of Essential Skills can lead to negative outcomes in your life. Without the right level of Essential Skills you may not be able to do the things you want to do such as

• getting the job you want
• getting promoted
• getting into the college/university/training program you want
• helping your kids with their homework

This is why learning is so important. By improving your Essential Skills you will

• become more skillful at your job
• develop the skills need for the job you want
• feel more independent and satisfied
• overcome barriers

Below are the pictures of the people who are responsible in some way for causing the accident.

Working alone or in a group, answer the questions for each person pictured:

1. What did that person do to cause the accident?
2. What Essential Skills were missing or not used?
3. How could have that person prevented the accident?

You can print the worksheet to help you with your answers.