From the standpoint of community-based trainers, there is a strong desire to ensure that an individual is looked at with the holistic view of addressing their needs when they come into an agency. Depending on the circumstances, the case managers, the career counsellors, and the workforce developers will work with that client to determine what the best course of action may be. It's always done from the perspective of getting the client back into the workplace, back to being a productive member on their terms, and addressing all the issues or barriers to employment that may be disclosed or discovered along the way.
There are a number of clients who may come in who don't need a whole lot of hand-holding. There may be clients who need a very light touch, who are self-reliant, and who just need a wake-up call, and send them on their way. They are very goal focused, and they can get things done. But it's comforting for those people who may have been displaced from a job. Maybe they have been working there a long time, maybe they are a youth who really hasn't had to look for employment yet, and they need some direction. Those community resources are essential, covering the entire gamut of people who may need their services from the severely employment disadvantaged to the self-directed client.
The participation of the employer in the discussions about their need to be involved in the training side of things is welcomed. I guess the danger or the caution is that, without that pivot point, that organization in the community who knows both the needs of the client and the needs of the employer to help balance that.... I hope that's....