BRIDGING PROGRAM: WOMEN-LEARNING-WOMEN
by CCLOW, Regina
(Regina: CCLOW, 1984; 70 pages; $7.50)

This proposal requested large-scale funding from the federal and Saskatchewan governments to establish a comprehensive education, training and employment bridging program for women in the Regina area. Includes back- ground information, the program description, program benefits, and recommendations. A bibliography is also part of the document.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. REQUEST

The Canadian Congress on Learning Opportunities for Women (CCLOW) Regina Chapter is requesting funds from the Federal and Saskatchewan Governments to establish a comprehensive education, training and employment Bridging Program for women in the Regina area. The Program will address the distinct learning needs of women and encourage and facilitate their successful participation in traditional and non-traditional areas of education, training and employment.

2. BACKGROUND

The underlying principle of this program proposal is that women have different and unique learning needs than men and that these needs must be met if women are to take advantage of the full range of opportunities available.

The present training system, for the most part, does not recognize or meet the prerequisite needs to women's success. Some of the learning needs of women include:

• the development of an education/training/ job plan basedon their own values. attitudes, interests, skills and current and projected labor market skills;
  
  
• the provision of accessibility factors such as child care,adequate financial assistance, physical access, part-time programs and extended hours of operation;
  
  
• support services such as counseling, personal support (follow-up, advocacy, self-help groups) and referrals to other community groups;
  
  
• personal growth through the development of greaterself-confidence and enhanced decision-making, problem-solving
  and goal- setting skills; and
  
  
• an exploration and analysis of the role and socialization of
  women in our society.

Given that the majority of women in Canada are now working in the labor force. that women will comprise the majority of labor market entrants in the future, and that technological change is eroding the traditional source of women's employment, it is imperative that measures such as the proposed Bridging Project be taken to encourage women to acquire the skills necessary to participate effectively in the current and future labor markets.