The Career Transition Services (CTS) Program evaluation was conducted in accordance with Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) approved Multi-Year Risk-Based Evaluation Plan 2012-17. The Terms and Conditions of CTS were valid until March 31, 2016.
The Career Transition Services Program was established in 2006 under the authority of the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act. Policies and practices have been modified over the years but its essential mission has remained unchanged; i.e., to provide eligible Veterans and survivors with practical help finding a job as they transition from military to civilian life.
CTS reimburses costs for services such as career counselling, job-search training and job-finding assistance for eligible Veterans and survivors to a lifetime maximum of $1,000 (including tax). The current program design differs from that originally established in 2006 with respect to eligibility, dollar limits and service providers.
The evaluation examined the relevance and performance of the Program, and was conducted in accordance with Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) policy requirements and related TBS guidance. The evaluation findings and conclusions are based on the analysis of multiple lines of qualitative and quantitative evidence.
Overall Results
Relevance
The Program is aligned with the priorities of the Government of Canada as well as with the Department’s strategic plan. There is a need for employment supports and transition services for releasing Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Employment is a key determinant to the continued health and well-being of releasing CAF members. Military releases number approximately 5,000 annually and research indicates that 16% of those require transition/employment-like services. VAC’s Career Transition Services Program has not evolved in an appropriate manner to address those needs.
Performance
The effectiveness and success of a program are generally measured through the use of Performance Measurement Strategies (PMS) that include performance indicators and intended program outcomes. A PMS is in place for the CTS Program; however, neither the intermediate nor the ultimate outcome has been achieved. Understandably, given the small CTS uptake numbers, there has been no reporting and, therefore, no resultant program adjustments based on performance measurement.
The Program has been efficiently managed and no improvements are required in that regard. However, it has not matured to attain projected participation rates or expenditures. Ample funding has been provided by the TBS, but from April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2015, a total of 59 Veterans have been reimbursed for CTS.
While aspects of the evaluation suggest that needs are not being fulfilled, there is evidence of duplicate services already available from other government, private sector and not-for-profit providers. Greater effort must be made toward meeting needs but also toward removing duplication.
The evaluation findings resulted in the following recommendations:
Recommendation #1
It is recommended that the Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy and Commemoration, seek to redesign the Career Transition Services program to meet the employment transition needs of releasing CAF members and Veterans.
Recommendation #2
It is recommended that the Assistant Deputy Minister, Service Delivery, explore and implement interim initiatives to increase the usage of the CTS program.