• Alternative schools were described as the “last stop” for kids.

• For these alternative schools to be effective, we were told that three components need to be in place: 1) commitment; 2) adequate resources; and 3) well-trained instructors.

• Alternative school principles told us of many students in their schools who are extremely bright, but have marginal skills and limited reading ability. They say they not only need trained reading teachers and more in-service time, but also more resources to develop and deliver hands-on and experiential learning and entrepreneurial training initiatives for students.

• Teachers at alternative schools would like more training on how to teach reading. Several said they need funding for a “learning assistant” position.

Entry Level and Pre-Apprenticeship Training…

“Getting the trades into high school is a good idea. It gets kids involved in skills other than the academic or professional route.” – Employer in the Supplemental Business/Labour Telephone Survey

• Throughout the consultation, representatives of the Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission said they encountered people interested in the trades who had challenges relating to learning disabilities, basic skills, and ESL.

• Government workers with clients who are displaced workers from the resource sector recommended combining literacy training with apprenticeship training. They said many of those who need upgrading would not go to the college but would happily learn on the job.

• In many communities, mills have moved away from hiring apprentices. In one mill, for example, we were told that 10% of the workforce used to be apprentices – but that now there are none. Some believe that this move away from hiring apprentices will be reconsidered once the skills shortages become more apparent.

• Hiring apprentices should be mandatory for public sector institutions: schools, hospitals, municipal government.

• We need funding for apprenticeships and for basic skills preparation for apprentices. Employers say they cannot afford to hire apprentices without them.