APPENDIX G

2. The number of occupational orientation courses for women will increased."
   
   The percentages of women in technological skills training course is very low, yet 90% of the people in Occupational Orientation are women.
   
   Does the "increased" number of these courses refer to new "bridging programs" such as the YWCA of Metropolitan Toronto's Working Skills for Women, or is it an increase in the courses presently offered? Are any other new programs being developed and where?
   
   We have been unable to find out how many women move from the Orientation programs to technological training. Our experience has been that increasing Orientation Courses will not necessarily guarantee increasing women trainees in skills training.
   
   Experience has also demonstrated that despite the effectiveness of many Orientation programs. the delay in accessing skills training is often excessive. The delay has the effect of preventing access. Due to financial need. many women. while waiting, often take part-time jobs. They then discover, when training is available to them, that they must live on Unemployment Insurance benefits based on their part-time earnings. For most this is impossible.
   
   
3. "Appropriate modules relating to mathematics, sciences and computer literacy will be developed for use in occupational orientation courses and skills courses designed to meet the needs of women."
   
   We have recommended the development of appropriate modules related to mathematics. sciences and computer literacy. We are again recommending that specialized E.S.L. modules be developed for the bridging and skills training programs. All programs must be designed to take into account the needs of a multicultural population of women. and a high functional illiteracy rate.
   
   In the development of these modules. are you looking at any models now in place? We are aware that there are women presently working in this area of development. Will they be consulted? Many of the women we see as clients who are seeking training and employment. are functioning below level 10. Will the modules to be developed respond to the needs of these women. giving access to those with less than Grade 10?
   
   It has been very difficult to obtain developmental money for this purpose. This Fall. the YWCA in Toronto did receive such funds. after a long and difficult negotiation. We welcome this as an essential first. and request that these funds be more readily available for planning new women's programs.

   We strongly urge you to involve representatives of well qualified women's organizations and women educators in this developmental work. We also suggest that you thoroughly investigate the models currently in place, such as Focus on Change, S.T.E.P., and the new Working Skills for Women, in Toronto.

   Have you set any deadlines for the development and implementation of these new modules? We believe the need is immediate and, therefore, urgent.