6. Programs: Overview In compiling the inventory, we located 60 publicly announce initiatives on bridge training. However, while trying to do the analysis we were able to trace only 56 in total including 40 specific to professions (for IPBs) and 16 that were sector based. The charts show analysis of programs based on the 40 profession-specific bridge training programs. Health and teaching professions had the most programs dedicated to them (total of 62%) 47% of programs are in the regulated professions, while 25% of programs are in the non-regulated professions.

7. Programs: Overview Sector based programs are more general in nature e.g. REACH and Career Bridge. These programs focused primary on job skills (56%) (job search, resume writing, mock interviews, internship and mentorship) and language training (38%) Educational institutions ranked as the main lead providers of bridge training programs (47%), often in partnership with community agencies (20%). Occasionally, regulatory bodies were also involved in providing bridge training either as lead or support providers.

8. Programs: Components 50 to 80% of bridge training programs cover components related to assessing language proficiency, prior learning assessment (PLA) and credentials equivalency 69% provide an occupation specific course or competency development that might include work placement, practicum, and/or mentoring as a part of the course 19% cover mentoring and work placement explicitly 50% of programs cover occupation specific terminology 38% variably cover other supports such as job (employer) referral options, job counselling, mock interviews, résumé writing, networking, access to job postings Lang/ PLA: language/ prior learning assessment OST: Occupation specific terminology Other: Including job referral options, counselling, mock interviews, resume writing, networking and access to job postings Cumulative totals exceeds 100 as there are multiple components across different types of programs

11. Programs: Barriers Faced by IPBs Barriers Identified/ Faced by IPB respondents Respondents by Profession NURS SW PHY TEACH TECH DOC 1. Entry requirements 2. Lack or inadequate work placement /internship/ mentoring opportunity 3. Lack of access to Employers 4. Employer’s Indifferent attitude 5. Cost Factor (beyond affordability) 6. Duration of the Course/program (longer) 7. Access to Information 8. Licensing & Accreditation requirement

12. Programs: Qualitative Findings PHY TEACH TECH DOC What has been found useful in the Bridge Training Program (from most to least) Respondents by profession NUR SW 1. Orientation/exposure, work placement/ internship/co-op/practicum/mentoring 2. Occupation Specific Credit course/ program 3. Networking to get access to job posting and other information and facilities 4. Information & Counselling 5. Language/Competence upgrading opportunities 6. Sector/occupation specific terminology 7. Assistance in Licensing & Accreditation 8. Other (financial assistance, referrals, one-to-one counselling, job posting etc.)