No matter what ship you are flying - from rookie to Vet you really do need these skills:

Power Grid Management V: maximize the power core.
CPU Management V: maximize the CPU.
Capacitor Management V: maximize the capacitor capacity.
Capacitor Systems Operation V: maximize the capacitor recharge rate.
Energy Grid Upgrades V: reduce the CPU requirements of installing power modules.
Mechanics V: maximize structure hitpoints.
Shield Management V: maximize shield capacity.
Shield Operation V: maximize the shield recharge rate.
Hull Upgrades V: maximize armor hitpoints.
Repair Systems IV: be able to operate the best armor and hull repair modules. If you train to V, some of your cap stable ships may become non cap stable, because the armor repairers will run shorter cycles.