Studies in Education, Human Resources and Training

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SPR has conducted a number of evaluations and surveys in education, human resources and training, including:

• Survey on Late Career & Post-Retirement Employment in the Non-Profit Sector. This recently-concluded national on-line survey examined perceptions of post-retirement paid employment in the non-profit sector, among professionals in government, industry and health organizations. The original target of 1,200 responses was exceeded, with more than 5,600 responses received (for the HR Council for the Voluntary and Non-profit Sector, 2009-2010);
  
  
• Pan-Canadian and International Study of Literacy Profiles of Youth. This current project involves quantitative analysis of two international surveys: Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS). Factors being examined include demographic and school characteristics, with the goal of identifying policy implications for the provinces. A unique feature of the study involves a Delphi Panel involving all of the provinces, through individual Ministries of Education and/or literacy agencies (for the Council of Ministers of Education - Canada, 2007);
  
  
• A Human Resources Study for the Meteorological Sector.  This study involved the compilation of a database of private meteorological firms in Canada and a survey component which required the development of labour market information tools (LMI), in-depth focus groups across Canada, and analysis of data (for EcoCanada, 2004-2005);
  
  
• Study of the Need and Demand for Post-Secondary Education in Central Newfoundland. This study involved analysis of Census data to assess demographics and the population base for post-secondary education programs in Central Newfoundland, as well as Web and FAX surveys of students and professionals (funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, 2003-2004);
  
  
• Evaluation of Industry Canada Science Education Programs.  This evaluation assessed four science education programs: Computers for Schools, which collects, repairs and refurbishes surplus computers; SchoolNet Youth Initiative: Employment for Youth; Information Highway/Science and Entrepreneurship Camps; and SkillNet.ca on-line career and recruitment services. The evaluation included a variety of national surveys to assess impacts on youth, employers and others (for Industry Canada, 2002-2003);
  
  
• A Study of Training Needs in the Canadian Plastics Industry.  This study developed a profile of the plastics industry, and involved a comprehensive survey of training needs as seen by producers in plastics thermoforming, injection, moulding and other sub-sectors. The survey examined the need and demand for training, mode of preferred delivery, and issues such as standards, accreditation and certification (for the Canadian Plastics Sector Council, 2001-2002);
  
  
• Evaluation of Tourism Careers for Youth.  This evaluation examined a youth internship program funded by HRDC to provide career transitions for youth interested in careers in the tourism industry. Key topics included impacts of the program on training culture in the tourism industry, and impacts of the devolution of training (from HRDC to the provinces/territories). The evaluation involved national surveys of employers, youth, trainers and funders (for the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council, 2001-2002);
  
  
• A Study to Assess and Identify Ways of Increasing Women's Participation in Trades, Technology and Operations Occupations.  This study included a literature review, regional and national focus groups with stakeholders, in-depth interviews with employers and unions, and a national survey with career educators and trainers, with the objective of identifying best practices aimed at increasing women’s participation in trades, technology and operations occupations (for the Women in Trades, Technology and Operations National Network and HRDC, 2002);
  
  
• Evaluation of Labour Market Information (LMI) Products.  This project examined the use of the Internet and print media for the distribution to Canadians of information on labour markets (how to find jobs, how to choose careers). The project was an extension of a broader study of HRDC information products initiated in 1999 (for the Labour Market Information Task Force, Human Resources Development Canada, 2002);
  
  
• Evaluation of the Construction Technology for Women Internship Program.  A pilot project of the HRDC Youth Internship Program, this evaluation involved surveys of over 250 participating employers and young women regarding their experience with the program. Survey topics included course assessment, on-the-job experience, and attitudes towards women in the construction industry and those pursuing careers in construction. Focus groups formed a key part of the study, with workshops conducted in five sites across Canada (for the Women in Trades and Technology National Network (WITT NN) and HRDC, 1997-99);
  
  
• Evaluation of the Internship Program for Aboriginal Youth.  SPR aided in the implementation of surveys for this evaluation of a housing-oriented youth internship program examining youth internships as implemented in approximately 50 of Canada’s First Nations and Inuit communities. Surveys of First Nations and Inuit employers and interns examined program operations, employment and housing impacts, and comparisons to other youth employment programs and alternatives for improving youth employment (for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 1998-99);
  
  
• Training for the Logistics Industry.  This evaluation examined the process and impact of a national pilot training program in logistics as part of Canada’s Youth Internship Programs. The evaluation involved surveys of trainees and participating employers in six sites across Canada (funded by Human Resources Development Canada, 1998-99);
  
  
• Evaluation of the National Vocational Rehabilitation Development Program.  This project examined the effectiveness of the program in returning persons receiving disability pensions (from CPP) to the workforce. The study method relied mainly on a national survey of CPP Disability Pension recipients (for Human Resources Development Canada, 1996);
  
  
• Review of Occupational Health and Safety Training.  This study involved a review of training and education programs for Ontario and recommendations for consolidation of over 500 courses into a simpler curriculum (for the Ontario Workplace Health and Safety Agency, 1991);
  
  
• Review of the Ontario Driver Education Program.  This study involved a survey of over 3,000 students and 200 teachers in 35 Ontario school boards to assess reading levels and readability of educational texts. Multi-variate techniques were used to estimate readability assessments for all sections of the proposed student texts and teacher's guides (for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communications, 1984);
  
  
• Evaluation of the Kumasi Technical Training Institute.  This evaluation of a trades training program involved field studies in Ghana, including surveys of staff and students and observation of training programs (for the Canadian International Development Agency and the Ghana Education Service, 1982);
  
  
• Parenting Education Programs: A Review of Programs and Experience.  This background study involved an examination of American and Canadian experiences in parenting education, and a survey of Ontario school boards to determine the extent and type of parenting education offered in Ontario at the time. The study resulted in a comprehensive report, including examination of the case for parenting education and presentation of a preventive strategy, interpretations, and recommendations (for the Canadian Association for Young Children and the Ontario Child Abuse Program, 1980); and
  
  
• Evaluation of the Parenting for Teens and Children Project.  This evaluation examined the impact of a program of parenting education developed in a three-year experiment in two high schools in the Sudbury Board of Education. Analysis involved examination of process issues, and the statistical evidence of impact, using data collected over a two-year period from some 6,000 high school students in two experimental and two control schools (for the Sudbury Board of Education and the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services, 1978-1982).