Investing in our future: increasing labour force access to skills development training in BC

This study investigates labour force access to adult education and skills development programs in BC. The goal of the research is to identify the most effective way for BC’s provincial government to increase the skills of the labour force as a means to decrease the impacts of anticipated labour and skills shortages. Using a case study analysis, four policy options are identified, including a Provincial Workplace Training Fund, Training Tax Credits, the 1 Percent Law and Adult Basic Education. Each policy option is subsequently evaluated against selected criteria. Evaluation of the policy options leads to a number of recommendations including the simultaneous implementation of two policy alternatives.