by Melissa D. Ing

Created on: December 30, 2006   Last Updated: August 01, 2011

Unemployment has plagued towns, states and whole countries since time began. A nation is always partly defined by its industry, and recent decades have shown a decline in natural resources and associated jobs. With whole industries becoming obsolete and existing ones outsourcing to third world countries, economically some of us are on our knees. Reducing unemployment doesn't need to be difficult; changing our thinking as to how to tackle the situation, is key to the solution.

For years we have been screaming about what should be done; and a smart few are doing it. Changing unemployment is a two way street; not just between employers and potential employees but with educators. Teaching our teenagers in the classroom the importance of continuing education is not enough to deter unemployment, teaching adaptability to changing markets and business trends, is imperative.

Reducing Unemployment

Focus on Education

Our children are falling through the educational cracks. More innovation in the classroom is essential if we are to ensure a minimum Grade 12 education. Learning disabilities and challenges are on the rise, and more teachers and support staff are needed to provide quality education to today's youth. On the flip side, while adult education is up some 35% in the last three years, more grants and affordable College and University Degree's are needed.

More acceptance of PLAR

Some universities are actively embracing the concept of Prior Learning Assessment and Review, which means that adult learners can transfer traditional and non-traditional learning and work experience towards College credits. Not every University has Counselors willing to assist in the PLAR process, and encouraging secondary institutions to do so, not only guarantee's higher enrollment, but less cost to the learner. In the end this is win-win both for the student and for industry.

Teaching effective job search skills

In Canada, job search centers are Government funded, ensuring at a basic level that all of us can access the assistance of an employment counselor, and get an effective resume created. In the US more free job centers are needed. Unemployed people often find the cost of a prepared resume prohibitive. The help cannot stop there; unemployed people need to be taught effective job search skills for the 21st century, such as how to use and apply for a job through an on-line job website.

Encourage outsourcing at home

One of the biggest stumbling blocks to employment is the amount of

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