Transition from training to employment

For aboriginal peoples, the issues in transition from training to employment centre around improving delivery of employment and training programs. Employers and government must be made aware that aboriginal peoples are in a transition before the transition to employment. More than education and training must be undertaken.

Government and industry must view aboriginal transition to employment from a different perspective than that used for other equity groups. Other groups experience similar socioeconomic factors, but the cultural experience of aboriginal peoples differs. Holistic models for employment and training should be considered. Life skills, for example, must be incorporated into other areas of training, not viewed as a separate area. Individuals' ability to determine and reach goals, both short and long term, must be enhanced. Life skills programs, skill development of other types, and academic education are complementary and equally important.

Aboriginal employment agencies need adequate resources to reach their diverse constituents. Programs must be developed in which participants receive academic education, career awareness, and role modeling, integrated with various cultural and historical aspects of aboriginal peoples.

Training levels on reserves and in remote communities are not adequate to obtain off reserve or urban employment. There is a need for more intensive training to accomplish this transition. Specialized training programs for aboriginal women are a necessity, particularly because many aboriginal women have the added burdens of single parenthood and poverty.

Programs for aboriginal employment and training must be flexible. Projects should be considered developmental, in the sense that 1, 6, or l0-month increments could be used as starting points to further training. Training programs should include an assessment component to ensure that individuals can move forward, setting reasonable goals and having a chance of reaching them.

Developing individual skills to sustain employment is no more important than placement in employment. Trainees must be monitored after placement to provide support, if required, and to ensure that individuals stay employed.