Similarly, TAGS clients in their 30s and 40s more frequently met the study's adjustment criteria out of the fishing industry than the younger and older clients. Community involvement and local-level partnerships play an important role in the adjustment process. Based on community case studies and key informant interviews, the evaluation found that community organizations and local-level leaders possess considerable influence on the adjustment choices, attitudes and behaviours of TAGS clients. In addition, where locally-driven partnerships were established, a more positive attitude towards adjustment was developed. There is also some indication from focus groups that positive adjustment results are associated with strong cooperation and involvement from fisheries employers in terms of identifying training needs, encouraging employees to participate, and selecting clients for particular adjustment activities.
Adjustment is a family and household process.
The 1995 TAGS client survey revealed that family-related issues represented barriers to adjustment for many clients. The majority of TAGS clients have substantial investment in household property and the fishery, and fear losing the value of these assets. Decisions to adjust are also constrained by the work situations of other family members. Moreover, because these clients are less mobile, their training options were limited to community delivered instruction, typically comprising only of Adult Basic Education. The majority of unadjusted TAGS clients display continued commitment to the fishery, have not participated in active adjustment activities, and are pessimistic about future employment prospects.