It is not only businesses and school systems which are responsible for the organization of training, but also many intermediary organizations such as unions or professional associations. Within this context we wished to investigate the way in which professional associations influence the vocational training of an important and increasing part of the Quebec workforce. In 1996, professional associations included 262,496 members or

7.2 % of the Quebec workforce -- a number 35% higher than in 1995. We conducted a questionnaire study administered by phone at the beginning of 1998. Thirty-four of the 43 existing professional organizations were contacted and agreed to participate in our survey, a response rate of 84%. Furthermore, the respondents represented 246,525 of the 262,491 members; thus 94% of the members were represented.

The data analysis of the present survey, the results of a previous study conducted by the Conseil interprofessionnel du Québec a year earlier, annual reports and other documents collected during the research process allowed us to describe the training activities of professional organizations (type and frequency of courses, intended public, type of accreditation, course orientation and objectives). We also aimed to answer the following questions: What is the nature of course contents? Is the vocational training basic (general courses) or specific (tailor-made courses)? How is the organization of this training negotiated with the agents involved (teaching establishments, private consultants, other unions ...)? Who are the preferred partners and why are they preferred?

The final report will not only present the results of the two studies but will also include an appendix with the questionnaire survey, which could be used in future studies on the provision of continuing training between intermediary organizations and training providers.