The current training system, however, is not coherent and is in fact loaded with systemic barriers to individuals. The research reports commissioned by the CLFDB to identify these barriers found that they include:

• access or entry issues, such as lack of programs, unstable funding, long waiting lists, inappropriate eligibility requirements, remote locations, sexism, racism, and language;
• financial and other support issues, such as lack of income support, lack of child care, lack of transportation;
• quality and relevance issues, such as inflexibility of curriculum and unavailability of counselling and upgrading programs.

Trainees who receive social assistance need training that is progressive, allowing them to move continuously through higher and higher levels of skills acquisition. Successful programs that move individuals from dependency to independence require stability, coordination of funding, and linkages with a wide range of sequential training programs. Training must lead to recognized qualifications and competencies that are portable and transferable to any jurisdiction in Canada.

We believe that all working-age individuals have a right to training opportunities.

Key recommendations

35. We recommend that labour market partners, working through local boards, identify the training needs in a community -- both employers' needs and individuals' needs. Local boards should assess training needs, collect and disseminate information on skills in demand and training programs available, and guide training delivery.