Literacy Basics - Community Literacy of Ontario

The NOC Matrix

Essential Skills profiles were developed using the National Occupational Classification (NOC) matrix (www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2006/Matrix.aspx). Understanding the matrix will help you identify relevant occupations when searching the ES profiles, where occupations are listed according to their NOC four-digit code. The NOC code categorizes occupations according to skill type, skill level, and major and minor groups, and gives an overall description of what the jobs in an occupational grouping entail.

Within the NOC matrix, there are nine skill type categories, ranging from business and finance to manufacturing, and four skill levels, identified as Skill Level A through D. Management occupations, including legislators and senior management, exist within their own group (Major Group 00), and are not assigned to a skill level category, as factors other than education and training are often key determinants for employment. It is likely literacy practitioners will deal with occupations that fall within the C and D skill range, which currently includes nine major and 45 minor groups.

Community Literacy of Ontario discovered it is worthwhile taking the time to explore the NOC site (www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2006/Welcome.aspx ). Access the Index of Titles link to search for jobs that may appeal to learners in your program. For example, if you were to type grocery into the keyword search box, NOC 6622, the occupational code for Grocery Clerks and Store Shelf Stockers, would appear. Follow that link to reveal a brief description of the occupation, as well as example titles, main duties, and employment requirements. The NOC Training Tutorial is most helpful and can be found at (www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2006/Tutorial.aspx).

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