In this chapter, we develop the elements of, and the arguments for, a coherent transition system closely related to the framework that was outlined in chapter 1 and illustrated in the employability enhancement chart (Figure 2). For the purposes of analysis, we grouped the factors affecting employability and transitions into employment into seven main categories:
No viable transition system can exist without a clear political commitment to a high level of employment. We firmly believe that the existence of jobs in numbers commensurate with the population of those willing to work is a necessary condition for any transition system to work.
Statement of belief
The Task Force calls on all parties responsible for setting policies and of belief practices that have an impact on the level of employment to put the highest priority on creating more and meaningful jobs.
We are also concerned about the fragmentation of the sources of authority and decision making in the system. In this chapter, we frequently mention coordination; no system can be efficient without a great deal of coordination among the various stakeholders. In chapter I, we illustrated how many stakeholders are involved in transitions into employment.
Statement of belief
It is fundamental to the success of any transition system that all levels of government - federal, provincial/territorial, regional, and local develop a coordinated system with respect to all aspects of transitions into employment, i.e., policies, programs, funding issues, institutional linkages, and standards.
Such coordination should be the focus of the work of the Ministers Responsible for Labour Market Matters and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), if one wishes to rely first on mechanisms already in existence.
The following analysis and recommendations should be considered in conjunction with these preconditions for an effective system, not in lieu of them.