In the course of our research, we identified a number of these steps, which appear to be both initiatives designed to improve the present situation and links to a more desirable future. With respect to each 'step', we have tried to identify case examples of the kinds of efforts being made. The steps, and the examples are described below:

4.3.1 Bridging Programs:

Earlier in this report, we discussed the need to define pathways that lead from low quality work to high quality jobs, and to assist women to find a place on those pathways. Bridging programs, with their emphasis on self-determination, flexible programming, and assisting women to overcome the educational, attitudinal and structural barriers to defining and realizing job aspirations are essential mechanisms for many women in finding and moving along those pathways. Unfortunately, for most women, bridging programs are unavailable.

One place where bridging programs are available to women is in Regina, Saskatchewan. Jointly sponsored by the CCLOW Regina Network and the Regina Plains Community College, the program began operating in 1985. The program is for women who are entering or re-entering the workforce or seeking career changes. Although CCLOW is no longer directly involved, the program continues to operate under the sponsorship of the community college.

Goals are to:

1. Provide the necessary support services to enable women to overcome the barriers to successful participation in education, training and employment.
   
   
2. Provide the appropriate program components to enable women to gain access to education, training and employment.
   
   
3. Provide on-going evaluation of the program to ensure that it is flexible and innovative in meeting the needs of participants and the community.

The program provides support services for women including: counselling, group experience with other women, development of support, flexible scheduling, financial support, appropriate referral, follow-up and advocacy. It also provides the following program components: assessment, vocational planning courses, up-grading, pre-trades, pre-technology, job readiness training, job finding club, work placement, entrepreneurial business skills course and special interest courses. The career planning component, which is the first program that most women take, runs both full-time during the day and part-time during the evening. There is space for 20 women in each session. The day session takes approximately 10 weeks to complete while the evening session takes close to 6 months. Many women are involved in one or more bridging programs full-time for up to 6 months. Women of all education levels, incomes, ethnic backgrounds, and interests have participated in the project. By May, 1986, 40% had made the transition to work or school, and a third were still participating in up-grading or in pre-trades training. Almost 75% planned further education.

The Regina Bridging Program is important not only because of the services it provides to women in Regina, but also because of its influence across the country as a program model. Through its association with CCLOW, the program has received nation-wide publicity, and has become a reference point for both bureaucrats and community groups in discussing the kinds of programs which women need to assist them to achieve greater equality in the economy. One result of the work done in Regina is occurring over 3,000 miles away, in St. John's, Newfoundland.