Ontario is at a crossroads. It needs well trained workers to remain competitive, yet faces current and anticipated skills shortages, especially in the area of trades. The Ontario Government has responded to this challenge by transforming the way it delivers training and employment programs. It has developed a comprehensive strategy called the One-Stop Training and Employment System, or simply “One Stop” designed to help programs work together more effectively in addressing the needs of its clients. One Stop encourages the ongoing sharing of strategies between business and education to ensure that both are moving forward in a co-ordinated manner. The Labour Market and Training Division (LMTD) of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (TCU), which sets standards for employment services and adult literacy, recognizes the critical role of each in developing a skilled workforce for Ontario.
The One Stop Training and Education System will provide the framework for the delivery of the Ministry's labour market programs and services. The new system will transform training and employment programs to create integrated pathways and services.
Source: TCU's Presentation to Conference Board of CanadaOne-Stop includes the following programs funded by TCU:
One Stop will provide improved routes for youth and adults to higher skills training and employment, and to the academic upgrading needed to support higher skilled employment.
The No Wrong Door strategy for service delivery is a key feature of One-Stop. Through this strategy, employers and individuals can learn about labour market and training programs and services provided by the government. They will be able to access information about all provincial training and employment services – regardless of which door they use to enter the One-Stop system. Programs and services are expected to work together at the community level to discuss how clients can move more easily among them. The strategy was rolled out with six pilot projects early in 2006. Implementation across the province begins in April 2006 and continues into 2007.
The concept of No Wrong Door does not mean that the Ministry will build or fund new “super” employment and training centres to provide “one window” access. Nor does it mean we will require or preclude particular delivery models such as co-location or require a generic, one size fits all, service assessment.
Source: No Wrong Door Pilot Guidelines