We believe that those in the Canadian apprenticeship system should reconsider its contribution to transitions into employment and make it better integrated with the overall model that we are proposing. We are aware of the attention that is given to the apprenticeship program, especially by the CLFDB, and leave the CLFDB and its National Apprenticeship Committee the task of promoting the necessary changes.

46. We recommend that the CLFDB's National Apprenticeship Committee examine ways to expand the apprenticeship system into a wider range of occupations and develop linkages with the education and training system so that apprenticeship becomes part of a coherent transition system.
    
    
    

Career and employment counselling

Career and employment counselling aimed at facilitating transitions into employment must:

• recognize the tremendous need for such services,
• understand the variety of counselling situations,
• raise counsellors' and clients' awareness of a wide array of career options,
• provide accessible and relevant services,
• empower clients,
• enhance professional preparation and in-service training, and
• connect with partnership networks.

Career and employment counselling is a key element in bringing coherence to the transition system. We are witnessing a shift away from an education and training system driven mainly by educators to a more balanced one driven by both labour market and social needs. Although education and training have broader functions, the more balanced system is needed to prepare people for working life in the present socioeconomic environment. In such a new context, career and employment counsellors must act as facilitators to integrate the missions of the education and training system.

Career and employment counsellors have a pivotal role in the broader view of transitions into employment (Figure 20). First, counselling is "downstream" from labour market information and the counselling process is a main user of such information. Hence, it is important to make labour market information relevant for counsellors and their clients, an issue emphasized in the first section of this chapter. Figure 20 lists the diverse potential client groups and presents the various objectives of those requiring counselling assistance. Career and employment counsellors face a wide variety of situations and, consequently, counselling needs.