In the years to come, the authorities responsible for implementing the legislation will not be able to ignore this challenge in their promotional activities and in the support and encouragement they provide for innovation and research into ALT.

3.3 Demand for ALT among less qualified groups in the labour force

We are familiar with the relationship between the level of professional qualification and the level of initial education, on the one hand, and participation in the labour market. The relative share of employment by skill level (Emploi-Québec, 2004) clearly shows that the labour force aged 25 and over with only an 'elementary' skill level is small (16%) (Table 3.3). In comparison, 37% of the unemployed have less than secondary education.

If we consider only employer-sponsored work-related ALT in the employed population 25 years of age and older, the likelihood that they will participate in ALT ranges from one to seven, depending on the level of formal education received (Table 3.4). In fact, the participation rate is 6% for employed persons who have not completed high school and 40% for those who have received some university education. This situation is not unique to Quebec but is found throughout Canada. The data quoted in the Five-Year Report of the CPMT confirm this trend toward substantial variability in participation on the basis of initial education received or professional categories.