Elgin - Literacy Link South Central

It is estimated that 6,000 jobs have been lost in this community over the past 18 months, withanother potential 3,000 on the horizon, due to the closure of Ford and the spin-off jobs that willbe lost. When the local Ford plant closes, another 1,500 adults will find themselves out of workand will likely have to switch to another line of work in order to find and keep employment.Elgin County has a significant Mexican Mennonite population as well, the characteristicsof which have been changing over the years. The Mennonite population, as a whole, hasbecome less traditional and has attached a greater value to education. Female Mennonites arebecoming more independent and are seeking education to enhance their independence andtheir ability to attach to the labour market.Second Career InitiativeThe high numbers of clients accessing literacy as part of their Second Career path is promising.All parts of the Employment Ontario system, especially the employment programs, areincreasing referrals to literacy so that clients can be successful in further education andtraining. As a result, employment programs are not only referring clients who lack Gr. 12credentials (a Gr. 12 diploma or its equivalent); they are also referring some clients who have aGr. 12 but who may not have levels of literacy skills that correspond to a Gr. 12.The increase in the number of individuals accessing Employment Insurance for the purposes ofparticipating in Second Career has had a dramatic impact on adult literacy programs in ElginCounty, both in terms of the numbers of clients who require service and on the informationmanagement and problem-solving requirements of literacy program staff. The eligibilityrules for Second Career are constantly evolving and literacy program staff must work closelywith employment counsellors to ensure that reporting mechanisms are satisfactory and thatclients do not jeopardize their EI. There is still a considerable lack of understanding around therules that govern at what point and for what period of time an EI claimant can access literacytraining. This issue, and other arising issues, highlight the continued need for all EmploymentOntario funded agencies to work closely with one another.4