“The college is one of the few options for upgrading, but there is a large hinterland in this region – so access is a problem.” – Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission Representative during Consultation

• BC comprises many small and regionally isolated communities. Access to programs offered through the college and school district systems was described as a barrier for many.

A Difficult “Sell” to Some…

“The college offers programs but many of our clients do not want to go there.” – Government Representative during Consultation

“Often, adults are not comfortable returning to a school district continuing education or upgrading program, because of past experiences with the school system.” – Participant in the Workforce Literacy Practitioner Survey

• Throughout the consultation, people expressed the concern that colleges and School Districts offer adult upgrading – but only reach those who are comfortable joining conventional classes. Many adult learners have often had bad, even traumatic experiences at educational institutions in the past and are reluctant to return.

• School Districts offer free education for adult non-graduates yet it is difficult for these adults to participate. They need a safe place to feel accepted in and to belong – and, from their perspective, it isn’t the school.

• School Districts are not funded to teach graduates with literacy problems. Rather, they refer them to college ABE programs. For adults with low levels of literacy, graduates or otherwise, the college can be seen as a daunting institution.

• Many workers want to upgrade their skills but say there is nothing at the School District for them and the college is only available to them during the daytime when they’re working – or, in some cases, in the evening, when they may be working shifts.

• In a number of communities we visited, college staff told us that they run many programs, but that people just won’t register.

The Need for a More Holistic Approach…

“Programs must go to the community, not just the schools. Pride, family, and employment factors can all get in the way of going to school.” – Business person during Consultation

• Many of the people we spoke with expressed the need for literacy programs that are holistic. By this, they mean that literacy upgrading be offered in tandem with life skills training and counseling. The college system is not seen to meet this need.