5 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Objectives and Scope

        The goal of UNEVOC-Canada’s pilot CLN is to implement a smart network dedicated to meeting the information and training needs of selected disadvantaged groups in the area of TVET. This network will focus on products and services of critical importance to service providers, service recipients and workplace partners. The overall goal will be met through strategic partnerships with key community groups to accomplish the following objectives:

  1. Short-term objective: implementing the infrastructure of the CLN for Access and Equity in TVET (less than one year),
  2. Medium-term objective: increasing the participation of women, Aboriginal people, the francophone minority, people with disabilities, youth and other groups that are traditionally underrepresented in TVET (year two to three),
  3. Long-term objective: improving the labour market outcomes of these people in non-traditional occupations (four years plus).
        These objectives meet the long-term UNESCO-UNEVOC mandate of providing equal access to TVET for all by breaking down the barriers to participation. This initiative is a critical component of the proposed UNESCO International Programme on Technical and Vocational Education and Training, to be ratified at the 30th Session of the General Conference of UNESCO in Paris (October 26 to November 17, 1999).

        This CLN initiative is consistent with OLT objectives as it:

  1. is a test bed for new approaches, using community-based access points, resources and expertise;
  2. explores new ways of using information and communication technologies to assist disadvantaged target groups who have experienced barriers to participation in TVET;
  3. is built on linkages, partnerships and collaboration within the community to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of the initiative;
  4. promotes regional, national and international collaboration and networking.
Target Audience and Model

        Figure 1 shows the conceptual model of the proposed CLN for Access and Equity in TVET. The scope of this model is to address barriers related to the participation and success of women, Aboriginal people, francophones, people with disabilities, youth and other disadvantaged adults in TVET and in non-traditional occupations. The model will address four classes of barriers including: Situational (life circumstances), Institutional (workplace or school related), Dispositional (related to a person’s low level of confidence or fear) and Informational barriers. This CLN is seen as a bridge to overcoming these barriers so target groups can gain access to formal TVET and, ultimately, obtain high skilled, well-paying jobs that are in great demand. It is anticipated that the CLN will foster a culture of lifelong learning in support of access and equity in Canadian society. Figure 1 also shows the harmony between target groups’ knowledge, skills, behaviours and attitudes and the external environment, where better paying, highly skilled employment is available. The removal of barriers in TVET and the workplace will facilitate access and equity in non-traditional occupations.