The Adult Learner in the 21st Century

Over the past ten years, international efforts have been underway to better define the skills needed for adults to effectively function as parents, workers, and citizens in the 21st century. The most notable example of this is Equipped for the Future (EFF) in the United States. EFF is developing, refining and validating frameworks for content and performance standards. The foundations of the framework are role maps that describe what adults need to know and be able to do to carry out responsibilities as citizens/community members, parents/family members, and workers. This knowledge goes beyond the basic academic skills that have traditionally been targeted by LBS.

The Strategic Direction of the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) is committed to developing the best workforce in North America to ensure a competitive advantage in the knowledge economy by creating accessible, affordable and high quality learning opportunities and systems with enhanced accountability.

This direction supports the delivery of programs and services that improve labour market outcomes for Ontarians and supports economic growth; works with partners to develop standards and engage employers in supporting a growing and flexible apprenticeship program; works with employers and other stakeholders to address emerging skills needs; prepares unemployed Ontarians to enter higher skill training or employment; encourages employers to hire summer students; provides literacy and basic skills upgrading to assist entry or re-entry into the workforce; provides adjustment services to companies and communities experiencing significant economic downturns; provides labour market information; and, provides policy, planning, research and evaluation leadership on labour market and training matters.

To further improve labour market outcomes for Ontarians, the MTCU is building a fully integrated, One-Stop Training and Employment System, by combining federally funded training and employment programs with Ontario's own training and employment programs. Clients will receive better access and expanded opportunities in apprenticeship, other skills training as well as labour market services. According to the Canada – Ontario Labour Market Development Agreement, the objectives of the One-Stop System are to:

• provide comprehensive employment and skills-related services to improve outcomes in the labour market for Ontarians;
• provide equitable and convenient access to customer services in communities across Ontario with services also available by telephone and through the Internet;
• provide no wrong door – all individuals are provided with information on the full array of services and receive supported access to services they need to achieve labour market goals;
• provide flexible and innovative approaches to labour market and community needs through the provision of a broad range of services, including labour market information, job matching, employment counselling and information on training options;