State of Learning in Canada

State of Adult Learning and Workplace Training

September 2009

The State of Adult Learning and Workplace Training in Canada / L’État de l’apprentissage chez les adultes et de la formation en milieu de travail au CanadaSecuring Prosperity through Canada’s Human Infrastructure: The State of Adult Learning and Workplace Training in Canada

Uncertain economic times can profoundly affect the financial and social well-being of families and communities. To decrease our vulnerability, Canada needs a skilled and flexible workforce, capable of adapting to continuous economic change.

The key is continuous, lifelong adult learning and workplace training.

What is the state of adult learning and workplace training in Canada?

Report resources

  • Full Report (PDF, 3.2 MB)

  • Fact Sheet (PDF, 280 KB)

  • News Release
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    Canada’s formal education sector is of a high standard—however, it alone cannot provide Canadians with the range of learning opportunities necessary for economic well-being and greater social equity (particularly during difficult economic times).

    Adult learning—all forms of learning undertaken by adults beyond initial education and training—can help to foster a more secure future for Canadians and Canada.

    What is human infrastructure?

    Investments in human infrastructure (the education and skills of a labour force) can offer even more powerful and lasting benefits than investments in physical capital (e.g., roads, buildings and equipment). In fact, it has been shown to be three times as important to economic growth over the long run.

    While training expenditures are often the first to be curtailed during uncertain economic times, this is exactly when investments in training should be made.

    What are the benefits of adult learning and workplace training?

    Simply put, adult learning and training can act as a protective and preventative factor during times of economic instability by:

    • contributing to improved employment prospects, income levels, health and integration within communities and society;
    • enabling Canadians to maintain skills and knowledge to make informed decisions and lead successful lives as workers, citizens, and members of families and communities;
    • enabling individuals to adapt to fluctuations in the labour market;
    • improving productivity and growth at the national level; and,
    • allowing Canada to maintain its economic competitiveness.

    What can be done to improve adult education and training in Canada?

    Related CCL Publications

    Workplace Learning in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: Effective Practices for Improving Productivity and Competitiveness
    This new report, prepared by the Conference Board of Canada for CCL, offers insight into the relationship between effective workplace learning and improved productivity, quality, sales and profits and includes profiles of 65 best practices gathered from 10 countries.

    Canada’s future prosperity depends on the strength of its learning sector and a range of complementary learning opportunities that meet the needs of all adult Canadians—regardless of educational attainment, age, socio-economic status or level of skills.

    Following the recommendations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada can begin to address the challenges faced, both in the short- and long-term, by:

    • ensuring appropriate levels of participation in adult education and training;
    • improving the literacy levels of adults;
    • enhancing labour-market information;
    • responding to groups with significant needs;
    • improving prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR);
    • increasing research efforts on the effectiveness of adult education and learning; and
    • developing a pan-Canadian forum on adult education and learning.

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