Sectors councils play a key role in assisting industry develop training programs that benefit workers in their industries. Many of these programs are adapted by other organizations and by educational institutions. Here are some examples of the kinds of valuable training tools offered by sector councils:
- CARS, the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council, long a leader in satellite-based training, now offers all of its training materials on the Internet, allowing many more workers the opportunity to upgrade skills. Other Councils have also seen the importance of the Internet, including the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters, and have used it to provide industry-driven training.
- High turnover in some industries has necessitated more management training. The Apparel Human Resources Council developed a benchmarking report and toolkit called Management Competencies which has saved or created 5000 jobs in the apparel industry.
- Many small and medium-sized businesses lack human resource management skills or capacity. The Canadian Plastics Sector Council has developed a web-based Virtual Human Resources Department, which includes tools, templates and other downloadable documents to help manage internal HR issues. Other sector councils have similar tools available to industry.
- CARS developed an innovative online assessment tool called CARSability, which allows individuals to see what skills people use in 34 different occupations in the industry. The tool is then linked to training opportunities.
- Essential Skills training is increasingly important in a number of industries. The Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council developed TOWES tests and skills upgrading modules that are industry-specific and relevant.
- The Wood Manufacturing Council is increasing the value of employees in its industry by offering cross-training which allows individuals to become competent in more than one area of wood manufacturing.