There are too few programs, resulting in long waiting lists. With the elimination of the federal Canadian Jobs Strategy program, even fewer programs are available. Funding is often provided for too short a time to permit the sequential training needed to obtain knowledge-based and technical jobs. The quality and usefulness of training programs remains an issue. A lack of congruence between training and job skills in the economy results in women entering traditional occupations and a lack of jobs for graduates. Programs do not always provide the credentials necessary to gain access to the next level of education. Instructors and curricula perpetuate the idea of traditional work activity, and human resource personnel often do not value diversity.

Lack of part-time and flexible programming inhibits the participation of women with family obligations and disabilities. Career counselling and personal support are not available in many training programs and the workplace.

In preparing women to enter traditionally male occupations trades, technical, and operations work -- women-only programs take on special importance. Supportive programs for women are scarce in mathematics and science departments in community colleges, apprentice pre-employment programs, and universities.

Need for bridging programs

The transition system must address the barriers women face in learning and in progression in the labour market. This requires special programming for women, based on their needs and values, and sequential training opportunities that facilitate transfer of skills and academic certification to achieve linkage to the next level.

Many community women's groups have established successful bridging programs for women that have flexible learning opportunities and provide access to employment. These programs should become an established part of the transition system (pre-employment and employment programming). They provide the necessary support through counselling, follow-up, advocacy, self-help groups, access to community networks, child care, transportation, flexible scheduling, extended hours of operation, adequate financial support for participants, and referrals to other community services.