LBS within Employment Ontario

Although LBS programs are now formally part of Employment Ontario, the current policies and guidelines of the LBS program have not changed as a result. There are four main service categories with the system. These include services for apprenticeship, job seekers, employees and employers. LBS is listed under the first three categories. It is considered both an area of skills enhancement and on-the-job training/workplace skills (Community Literacy of Ontario, 2007).

The following section of the client flow chart locates LBS within Employment Ontario (Employment Ontario Information and Referral Resource Guide, 2007).

A framework for information provision and client referral has been developed to improve client referrals among programs and across the broader training and employment system. It is designed to support consistent access to training and employment information. The Employment and Referral Information and Referral Resource Guide was developed for ministry staff and Employment and Training Division funded service providers who deliver information and referral services. The Guide supports the ministry’s vision of an integrated training and employment system.

Clearly the new role of LBS/AU within this broader education and training system provides many exciting opportunities for developing and expanding literacy provision in Ontario.