Statement of belief

The concept of a training culture must be fostered by all stakeholders and all efforts must be made at every level, especially local, to reinforce this attitude. Training outcomes must meet - although not exclusively the demand articulated by industry.

Identification of training needs

Training needs are twofold. They include:

• those expressed by employers through labour demand for specific skills;
• those needed by job applicants to match employers' requirements.

The two perspectives are related, as an efficient training system is driven by both the characteristics of the demand and the characteristics of individuals.

The identification of training needs must be linked to labour market information. Local boards will collect and disseminate information on skills in demand and training programs available. Labour market partners and the community must be involved in the identification of training needs. The training system must be industry driven, i.e., training must respond to the needs of industry. Because systemic barriers exist for designated groups, equity groups also need to be involved in the identification process.

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.