Essential Skills for Success Assessment (ESSA)

We want every apprentice to feel confident and ready to succeed. That means understanding your needs and giving you the right help at the right time.

Essential Skills for Success Assessment (ESSA)

ATCD is excited to launch the ESSA, a tool designed to help apprentices succeed in both classroom training and on-the-job performance. The ESSA identifies your strengths and potential areas where you may need extra support. It focuses on skills like reading and numeracy – skills you use every day when reading manuals, interpreting charts, and following instructions. By finding learning barriers early, we can offer tailored supports before challenges arise.

What is the ESSA?

  • The ESSA is an online assessment with 60 multiple-choice questions.
  • The ESSA was developed to assess your skills in the areas identified as important in achieving successful learning and career outcomes (such as reading and numeracy).
  • Your results are CONFIDENTIAL. They are only used to connect you with helpful resources — not to rank or evaluate you.

Why take the ESSA?

  • See if your essential skills in math and reading are where they need to be. Save time by identifying which skills to target.
  • Potentially access early, confidential support before exams, through the Virtual Learning Strategy Program
  • Build your confidence and improve your chances of success
  • Your program eligibility or standing will NOT be affected.

When is the ESSA available?

ATCD is rolling out the ESSA in stages to help ensure maximum impact:

  1. December 2025 – Apprentices who identify as at risk
    • Includes apprentices who have experienced exam failures, learning challenges, or who feel they need extra support.
  2. December 2025 – New and current direct-entry apprentices
    • Apprentices entering the program without completing a pre-employment training program.
  3. March 2026 – Apprentices who have failed an exam at least once
    • Apprentices who may benefit from additional learning strategies and supports.
  4. June 2026 – New and current apprentices in compulsory trades
    • Apprentices working in trades that require mandatory certification.
  5. September 2026 – All new and current apprentices
    • Full program-wide access to ensure every apprentice has the opportunity to succeed.

Learn more about the ESSA:

Frequently Asked Questions

To take the ESSA – complete and submit this form:

Essential Skills for Success Assessment (ESSA) – CONSENT FORM

 

For more information email vlsprogram@gov.nl.ca