7. One or more – training/experience/interest in the chosen industry

Clients ranged in age from early twenties to early fifties. They ranged in academic levels from Elementary level to almost High School completion. They ranged in attachment to the work force to no previous attachment to frequent and intermittent attachment. They were both male and female. Many were supporting young families and some were still living at home. All were on some form of government assistance and none had completed high school. All were hopeful of finding meaningful, long–term employment to enable them to work and live in their community and to earn their own pay cheques instead of being reliant upon government assistance.

Their individual circumstances around why they didn't complete high school included:

1. Going to work,
2. Not succeeding in the school system of the time,
3. Learning disabilities,
4. Starting a family

Almost all of the clients were "physical" learners – they preferred to learn by doing rather than by studying and they loved to be in the outdoors, not in an office (or a classroom, for that matter). Most had low self–esteem and many other personal and social issues in their background. One of the key components of Bridging the Gap is that it works to build the whole of the person, not just their employment skills – it recognizes the linkages between self–esteem and confidence and the ability to secure and succeed at a work site.

All of the participants improved in their academic and personal skills, some dramatically. Their self–esteem improved as did their communication and inter–personal skills.