Reasons for not upgrading

Both interviewees who have considered upgrading and those who have not were asked the reasons why they haven't upgraded.

Among the high needs group, those who have considered upgrading and those who have not both cite socioeconomic/circumstantial challenges.

For those who are not high needs, the situation is different. Respondents who haven't considered a program are more likely to cite lack of interest than those who have thought about upgrading.

Age is also related to the reasons interviewees give for not pursuing a program. Generally, lack of interest is more often cited among older age groups, particularly those 50 to 64. This probably has something to do with the fact that they are closer to retirement and are not thinking about upgrading for their jobs.

Factors affecting men and women

Men who have considered upgrading but have not followed through cite two main reasons. The first is work-related factors; the second, a lapse of interest. Together these reasons account for over 60 per cent of responses.

For women, work and family-related reasons are the two leading factors, representing over half of responses.

It is worth noting that women in all age groups identify family responsibilities as a factor: 35 per cent of those under 30; 29 per cent of those 30 to 49; 22 per cent of those 50 to 64; and 30 per cent of those 65 and older.

"If you want to go to school; you've got to have money, you've got to have somebody look after your kids. It was too much for me to look after the kids and the house, everything. It was too much, and school was the last thing on my list."
—Woman age 39, grade 10