S t a t e o f t h e L i t e racy and Essential Skills Field
work, waiting for recall and being sick. Most young people not in the labour force (82%) didn't want a job. Of the 82% of youth not in the labour force who did not want a job, 5% had future work arrangements, 6% were permanently unable to work, 7% were non-traditional students, 20% had no known activity but had young children at home, and 44% had no known activity and no children at home. Lower levels of education were associated with higher rates of youth unemployment and long-term unemployment. CLLN believes this is an issue that needs careful monitoring, given the risks of both future employability and social exclusion. To reach NEETs the report cites a U.S. joint initiative with business leaders and communities to give summer jobs to hundreds of thousands of disconnected and low-income youths to help them gain work experience, skills and contacts.
Skills for Jobs For the next two decades at least, there will be many people without jobs, and even more jobs without people. Many unemployed and underemployed youth won't be considered for jobs because they will not have the skills employers need. Those who receive good career guidance, coaching and mentoring will have information to prepare them for their futures. Those who embrace lifelong learning will be in high demand. They will literally have their choice of opportunities. Those who don't have clear goals and don't see the point in continuously upgrading their knowledge, skills, and networks will be unsuccessful. To this end, it is important that all Canadians participate in lifelong learning and that we have the programs in place for them to do so. It is also important that we raise awareness of the importance of lifelong learning and Essential Skills and are able to clearly
demonstrate the benefits. It is important that outreach strategies and career guidance reach all segments of the youth population both in high school and when youth are no longer part of the school system.
Seniors and Older Workers This section looks at seniors and older workers and the impact that an increasing number of retirees has on the workforce149. Demographic changes are increasing the average age in Canada. As a result, there will be more people relying on fewer active workers coming into the workforce. However, because many Canadians are healthier than in previous generations it is likely that fewer people will retire at 65 and that more will choose to continue working, especially those without adequate pensions. As older Canadians continue to work they will probably need to update their skills and continue learning to cope with the fast pace of change in the workplace. This emphasizes the importance of continuous learning throughout life. Unfortunately, adult training is not spread evenly across the workforce. Those who most need training – older workers and those with limited education – are the least likely to receive it150.
There are ongoing debates about the definition of "senior". According to the Government of Canada, a senior is a person over 65. 150 OECD Policy Brief, July 2007 149
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