Access programs must be funded to enable all aboriginal youth to take advantage of the opportunities that they provide. Access programs provide the necessary educational background for students pursuing a specific career. The scope of access programs must be broadened to include many education opportunities at the post-secondary level and in training areas, and they must begin with an orientation program that is designed in consultation with the aboriginal community. To be effective, access programs for aboriginal youth should

• familiarize students with the city and the educational institution and instruct students in the use of resources such as libraries, computers, and tutoring services;
• provide instruction in learning skills, technical writing, laboratory skills, and report presentation;
• provide introductory courses in core subjects to help students develop academic skills;
• assist in locating accommodation; and
• provide support to students in finding appropriate support groups and financial programs.

Business, labour, and government can assist communities and organizations in developing and enhancing the transition from education initiatives to employment through the development of cooperative education programs for high-school students. They should also assist communities by training community-based aboriginal counsellors to provide training and employment advice to students in the career areas on which they wish to focus. More effort should be made to provide career seminars for aboriginal communities, and a continuing dialogue should be maintained with aboriginal communities on new technological training and employment prospects in various economic sectors.

Business, labour, and government can achieve the goal of developing and enhancing the transition from education initiatives to employment by aboriginal youth by: familiarizing themselves with aboriginal communities; liaising with aboriginal employment agencies; placing job advertisements in aboriginal media; informing aboriginal education counsellors in academic institutions; ensuring that career counselling complements academic counselling; and participating in career days with aboriginal professionals employed in their sector.