• One funding program – through Forest Renewal BC – provided funding of up to $8,000 for each worker in an attempt to promote learning and retraining. There was considerable resentment on the part of those outside the program based on what they saw funded (eg. very expensive pilot training) and the relative lack of accountability for the use of those funds. In the end, the funding program was cut.

Competition for Resources…

“Literacy groups are not talking to each other or sharing resources. There is territorialism.” – Educator During Consultation

• Relationships between Community Skills Centers, learning centers, and education institutions are often strained because everybody is fighting over the same funds.

• Continued competition among different literacy organizations, programs, and institutions – particularly in the face of scarce resources – is seen to impede collective efforts.

• A number of the educators and community development workers we spoke with suggested bringing funding sources together and ‘conspiring to do good’. Funds could be amassed in regional pots that are equitably distributed to groups that work together on the issue.

Private Sector Investment…

“We need to give companies a tax incentive to encourage training.” – Union Representative in the Supplemental Business/Labour Telephone Survey

“Cost is a challenge … especially when the market conditions are tight.” – Employer in the Supplemental Business/Labour Telephone Survey

“The challenge is up to the worker – they need the training. It’s not up to us to provide these things.” – Employer in the Supplemental Business/Labour Telephone Survey

“Employers need to train. It is their responsibility. They need to realize there will be a crisis in 10 years with skill shortages.” – Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission Representative during Consultation

“Government must recognize that workforce education costs money and should offer businesses credit or incentives for workers’ education.” – Business person during Consultation

“Nobody wants to foot the bill … but shortages of skilled workers is going to be a big problem.” – Employer in the Supplemental Business/Labour Telephone Survey

“Unions are responsible to their members to maintain and upgrade their skills. Employers should have to contribute something since they benefit.” – Union Representative in the Supplemental Business/Telephone Survey