What:

A wide range of free adult learning programs for employment, independence, and education and training:

• 1 to 1 tutoring and small groups to improve reading, writing, spelling, and basic math
• Pre-employment skills preparation to help learners obtain and keep jobs. Programs include cash register training, food handlers certification, receptionist training, light duty cleaner training, working in retail, communications training & others
• Preparation for high school equivalency
• Northstar Digital Literacy certification and advanced Microsoft computer courses
• Learning assessment, training plan development, short term groups and workshops
• Mobile computer lab to provide computer training offsite
• Information and referral to other programs and services
• Assist adults with learning disabilities
• Wheelchair accessible
• Childcare and transportation subsidy available

Who:

Adults (18+ years)

When:

• Mondays at 9:30am–8:30pm
• Tuesdays at 9:30am–4:30pm
• Wednesdays at 9:30am–4:30pm, 5:30pm–8:30pm
• Thursdays at 9:30am–4:30pm
• Fridays at 9:30am–1:30pm

Where:

Guelph—8 Cork Street East

We also offer remote 1 to 1 tutoring via Zoom

Ask For:

Kirstin Duke—Adult Program Coordinator
Phone—(519) 836-2759 (preferred)  Text—(519) 731-7829
artutor@on.aibn.com  or actionread@gmail.com 

What:

• College Bound: individualized support to explore the possibilities of attending college
• Tuition free courses in Math, English, Biology, Chemistry, Computers
• Targeted academic preparation up to grade 12 equivalency for admission into college post secondary programs including apprenticeship training
• Developing Essential Skills for the workplace
• Preparation for high school equivalency
• Childcare, transportation, and internet subsidy for eligible learners
• Continuous intake, self-paced learning, self-directed with teacher support

Who:

Adults 18+ years with or without a grade 12 diploma (age exceptions may apply)

Students must have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 6 in all areas (documentation required)

When:

All classes are being delivered online with in person support for select courses. Please connect with our intake team for more details at upgrading@conestogac.on.ca

Self-directed study: Work at your own pace through the materials with an Instructor available in class to support you. Students can start anytime as part of our continuous intake.

Teacher-led options: An Instructor teaches the class with all students starting and ending at the same time. Teacher-led classes are 15 weeks in length and students must attend all classes.

Where:

Cambridge—150 Main Street, Suite 402

Guelph—460 Speedvale Avenue West

Waterloo—108 University Avenue East

Ask For:

Information on Academic Upgrading ACE or Preparatory Programs:
upgrading@conestogac.on.ca
or www.conestogac.on.ca/subsidized-training/academic-upgrading

What:

• Free upgrading for reading, writing, math, and digital skills
• Upgrading to
  • earn Ontario High School Equivalency by writing the new CAEC test – the GED replacement
  • prepare for college entrance with or without an OSSD – via upgrading courses
  • prepare for finding work or for making changes at work
• Training plans customized to meet your unique needs
• Learn at your own speed
• Start at any time
• Respectful and encouraging adult environment
• Free bus pass (if eligible)

Who:

Adults (18+ years)

English Speaking and Listening requirement: ESU is not an ESL or LINC program. The level of speaking and listening skills will be determined at assessment, or may involve a Language Assessment. For reference, Speaking and Listening should be roughly equivalent to CLB 6

Some restrictions for people with 900 series SIN

When:

Start any time from September – June (continuous intake)

ESU-Cambridge and ESU-KW
Monday – Thursday at 9:00am–12:00pm
Monday – Thursday at 12:30pm–3:30pm

ESU-Night School
Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00pm–8:30pm

Where:

Morning and Afternoon Classes:

• ESU-Cambridge
  Cambridge—60 McDonald Avenue
• ESU-KW
  Waterloo—151 Weber Street South

Evening Classes:

• ESU-Night School
  Kitchener—72 Wilson Avenue (Kingsdale Community Centre)

Ask For:

Anna Boroznyets, Coordinator
(519) 885-4356 ext. 5224
esu@wrdsb.ca
or online contact form: schools.wrdsb.ca/esu/locations-and-contacts/

What:

• Free learning program for adults with developmental disabilities
• Upgrading of reading, writing, math, and digital skills
• Upgrading to prepare for further training, employment or independence
• Group setting
• Can be customized for individual needs

Who:

Adults (18+ years)

When:

Friday at 9:00am–11:00am

Where:

Waterloo—151 Weber Street South

Ask For:

Anna Boroznyets—Coordinator
(519) 885-4356 ext. 5224
esu@wrdsb.ca
or online contact form: schools.wrdsb.ca/esu/locations-and-contacts/

What:

Learner centred 1 to 1 tutoring & small group instruction in reading, writing, math, computers & workplace essential skills

Programs provided online and in person. Contact us for more information.

Who:

Adults (17+ years)

When:

Cambridge
Monday – Thursday at 9:00am–9:00pm
Friday at 9:00am–4:00pm

Kitchener
Monday – Thursday at 9:00am–9:00pm
Friday at 9:00am–4:00pm

Rural Sites: Phone for times

Where:

Cambridge—40 Ainslie Street South

Kitchener—300 Victoria Street North, Unit 8

Contact us for full site information

Ask For:

Any staff member will be able to assist.
(519) 743-6090
or info@tlgwr.ca
Twitter—@TLGwr
Facebook—@theliteracygroup1
Instagram—@tlgwr

What:

The Literacy Group provides small group, customized modular-based training for clients looking for short-term skills and literacy upgrading. Training topics range from Workplace Soft Skills, Customer Service and POS Cashier Training, Basic Computer Training, Grammar, Writing and more. Contact us for more details or visit our website to find out about our current programs and training opportunities.

Programs provided online and in person. Contact us for more information.

Who:

Adults (17+ years)

When:

Cambridge
Monday – Thursday at 9:00am–9:00pm
Friday at 9:00am–4:00pm

Kitchener
Monday – Thursday at 9:00am–9:00pm
Friday at 9:00am–4:00pm

Rural Sites: Phone for times

Where:

Cambridge—40 Ainslie Street South

Kitchener—300 Victoria Street North, Unit 8

Contact us for full site information

Ask For:

Laurie Mazur, Modular Program Coordinator
laurie@theliteracygroup.com
(519) 743-6090 ext. 325
Twitter—@TLGwr
Facebook—@theliteracygroup1
Instagram—@tlgwr

What:

Skills Reviews & Assessments are often the first step on the path to employment, higher level training, post-secondary education, high school diplomas (or equivalencies) and independence.

They also support jobseekers on their path to better employment, further education & training.

We also provide services for Businesses & Non-Profit Organizations. For full assessment details visit www.projectread.ca

An Employment Skills Assessment:

• identifies your skill levels in each of Canada’s Skills for Success areas
• compares your skill levels now with the skill levels needed for your employment goal
• identifies training needs based on your employment goals
• provides a report that includes a step by step training plan for all of your skills upgrading & training needs
• can be used to support Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) applications
• provides referrals to the best local programs to meet your goals

An Educational Skills Review:

• identifies your skill levels in reading, writing and math
• provides a report that includes details about your current skill levels
• can be used to support Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) applications
• provides a referral to the best local program to meet your goals

Businesses & Non-Profit Organization Services:

• Clear Writing services
• Bridges out of Poverty training
• Soft Skills Solutions certification training

Business & non-profit services are available for a fee.

Who:

Adults (18+ years)

When:

Available at multiple times during the week

Where:

Available at multiple locations across the region

Ask For:

Assessment information, Business or Non-Profit services
(519) 570-3054 or info@projectread.ca
Contact us to book your appointment!

What:

• Skills upgrading in reading, writing, mathematics and digital skills
• Preparing for high school diploma, college or high school equivalency
• Improving Essential Skills for employment
• Individualized learning plans and flexible hours

Who:

Adults (18+ years) who are not currently registered in a high school

English as a Second Language Learners with speaking, listening, reading and writing skills at a CLB 5

When:

Mondays at 12:00pm–7:00pm

Wednesdays at 9:00am–3:00pm

Where:

Fergus—Skyline Community Hub
Centre Wellington Big Brothers, 900 Tower Street South

Ask For:

Narjis Ahmed—Program Manager
skillsupgradingprogram@ugconed.ca
(519) 836-7280 ext. 624

What:

• Grade 11 and 12, Senior Credit Courses in English, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology at the workplace, college and university levels
• Courses are offered on a rotational basis following a 6-week schedule

Who:

Adults (18+ years) who are not currently registered in a high school.

English as a Second Language Learners with speaking, listening, reading and writing skills at a CLB 7

When:

Monday – Friday at 9:00am–12:00pm (September – June)

Monday – Friday at 1:00pm–4:00pm (September – June)

6-week sessions with mandatory attendance

Where:

Guelph—Centre for Continuing Education
371 College Avenue West

Ask For:

Student Services—(519) 836-7280 ext. 627

What:

• There are 9 ways to earn Secondary School Credits at St. Louis. Up to 60 Secondary school credit courses are available at various grade levels or through certificate programs
• To register for ANY secondary school credit course for upgrading, post-secondary pre-requisites or completing high school diploma (OSSD), you must come in-person to Guidance Services
• Day class instruction for Grades 11‒12 courses (Part-time or full-time) offered through in-person, dedicated class times
• Secondary Language Credit classes (Gr. 9-12) offered once per week from Sept to June. Five languages to choose from
• Once enrolled for a credit course, Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) for mature students is available to earn secondary school credits based on previous work and life experience. Eligible students may earn up to 26 credits through Guidance Services
• Credits@Work—earn Co-operative Education (Co-op) credits while working. Every hour worked counts toward each hour needed to complete a Secondary School Credit. First credit is 90 hours + 20 hours to complete Student Co-op Learning Plan. Each credit afterward is 110 hours. Students must be currently employed within Waterloo Region
• Correspondence/ Online self-study – earn credits on your own schedule (20 lessons total at 2 lessons per week). Student support available for Correspondence students. In-person exams may be required
• No fees for Day Classes, Correspondence, Secondary Language Credit classes, PLAR, Summer or Credits@Work. (Correspondence fees do apply to students registered full-time at their high school.) Some School-to-Work courses and programs have materials fees

Who:

Adults (18+ years)

When:

Guidance Services:

• September ‒ June
• Monday ‒ Friday at 8:30am‒4:00pm (last appointment at 3:30pm)
• Come in-person to Guidance Services with ID and transcript to begin registration. Walk-ins welcome

Day Class Instruction:

• September – June
• 5 terms a year (7 ½ week terms) starting Sept, Nov, Jan, March and May, plus Summer School class in July only
• Monday – Friday at 8:45am–11:45am and/or 12:30pm–3:30pm
• Kitchener Main Campus only

Secondary Language Credit Class Instruction:

• September – June
• Monday at 5:30pm–9:00pm (Portuguese & Spanish), Wednesday at 5:30pm–9:00pm (Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish), Saturday at 9:30am–1:00pm (Chinese)
• St. Louis Kitchener Main Campus, Resurrection & St. Benedict Catholic Secondary Schools

Correspondence / Online Self-Study:

• September – April (Registration). Course completion by June each year
• Monday – Thursday (no Student Support on Fridays)
• See stlouis.wcdsb.ca Correspondence & Core Essentials for student support hours
• Kitchener Main Campus

Prior Learning and Recognition (PLAR):

• Available to students registered for St. Louis Secondary School Credit courses. See Guidance.

Credits@Work:

• September – July
• Program runs 20 hours online and remainder of time at place of employment during work hours
• Continuous registration and ongoing programming. See Guidance.

Summer School:

• July, 2026 (dates to be confirmed)
• Monday – Friday at 8:30am–3:00pm
• (Gr. 9 in-person + Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 online)

Registration:

• Identification and transcript/credit counselling summary from last high school required
• Secondary School Credit Day Class registration starts 3-4 weeks before the start of each term. New term every 2 months
• Correspondence & Credits@Work registration ongoing during Guidance hours of operation
• School-to-Work Skills Training registration and intake dates vary. Visit stlouis.wcdsb.ca for more information
• Summer School and Secondary Language Credit registration begins in February

Where:

Online

In-person courses at local WCDSB secondary school (locations to be determined)

Ask For:

Come in-person to St. Louis Kitchener Main Campus to begin registration.

Questions? Email stlouis@wcdsb.ca

What:

Core Essentials is a FREE Student Support Program helping students get from where they are to where they want to be. Core offers individualized and flexible programming to build skills toward achieving academic goals. Available in multiple formats.

Students who take Core Essentials:

• Prepare for next steps such as: St. Louis Secondary School Credit courses and certificate programs, employment, or volunteer work
• Prepare for PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition) and School-to-Work Skills Training
• Discover academic strengths and any potential areas of growth
• Build confidence in reading, writing, numeracy, digital skills, problem solving, communication, creativity and innovation, collaboration, and study skills
• Focus on long-term goals and short-term academic goals

Core Essentials offers:

• Comfortable classroom environments (in-person, online and supported remote)
• Flexible daytime hours of study
• Instruction tailored to goals
• Certified adult instructors who will guide and prepare you, respect your needs and eagerly help you learn
• Support through Independent Remote Learning (ask for details)
• Upgrading to prepare for many credit classes, including English and Math

Who:

Adults (18+ years)

When:

Core Essentials:

• September – June
• In-person: Monday – Thursday
  at 8:45am–11:45am
  or 12:30pm–3:00pm
• Synchronous: Monday – Thursday
  at 9:15am–11:45am
  or 12:45pm–3:15pm
• Remote: Monday – Thursday
  at 12:30pm–3:30pm
• Student Support (including Digital): Monday – Thursday at 8:45am–11:45am
  & Tuesday – Wednesday at 11:45am–7:45pm

PSW Essentials:

• Monday – Thursday at 9:15am–4:00pm*
  * Hours may change on PSW intake weeks or during workshops
• NOTE: PSW Essentials is for students planning to enrol in St. Louis PSW Program

Where:

St. Louis—Kitchener Main Campus
80 Young Street (behind Kitchener City Hall)

• Online
• Supported Remote

Ask For:

Core Essentials Program to book an interview with an intake coordinator
(519) 745-1201 ext. 238
or email stlouis@wcdsb.ca

What:

• Personal Support Worker Certificate Program (PSW) full-time and part-time programs (+ Living Classroom model) (Kitchener, Waterloo & Cambridge)
• Culinary Arts & Hospitality courses or Certificate Training Program (Kitchener only)
• Hairstyling Certificate Training Program (Kitchener only)
• All programs offer in-class instruction, experiential hands-on learning, secondary school elective credits and have minimum 220-hour Co-operative Education (Co-op) / work placements
• Instructors are Ontario Certified Teachers or Registered Nurses/ Registered Practical Nurses (PSW). ALL have a minimum of 5 years industry experience
• Tuition is paid by Ministry of Education funding, additional non-refundable materials fees may apply ($125 per Culinary course, $2000/yr for Hairstyling Training, PSW Certificate training free until March 2026)
• All Fees subject to change

Who:

Adults (18+ years)

When:

Class times vary by program, plus Co-op placement. Part-time day and evening options for PSW.

Culinary Arts:

• September to June. No classes in summer
• Full-time or Part-time
• New courses offered every 2 months Monday – Friday at 8:45am–11:45am and/or 12:30pm–3:30pm
• Co-op placement available

Hairstyling:

• Start dates in September, November & March. No classes in summer
• Full-time only
• Monday – Friday at 8:45am–3:30pm
• Co-op placement times vary

Personal Support Worker:

• Start dates in September, January and February. No classes in summer
• Full-time Day: Monday – Friday at 8:45am–3:30pm 
• Part-time Day: Tuesday – Thursday at 8:45am–3:30pm 
• Part-time Evening (Kitchener Main): Tuesday – Thursday and one Monday per month, at 4:30pm–9:30pm 
• Part-time Evening (Cambridge) Monday – Thursday at 4:30pm–9:30pm 
• Co-op placement times vary

Registration:

In-person Intake / Registration sessions for Hair & PSW offered throughout the year. See stlouis.wcdsb.ca for dates and details.

Registration for Culinary & Hospitality courses is offered at the same times as Secondary School Credit registration – 5 terms per year. Come in-person to Guidance to begin registration. Visit stlouis.wcdsb.ca for upcoming start dates and registration processes.

Where:

Culinary, Hair, PSW

• St. Louis—Kitchener Main Campus 
  Kitchener—80 Young Street
  (behind Kitchener City Hall)

PSW Living Classroom Part-Time Day

• September
• St. Louis—Fairview Seniors Community
  Cambridge—515 Langs Drive

PSW Living Classroom Part-Time Evening

• January
• St. Louis—Fairview Seniors Community
  Cambridge—515 Langs Drive

PSW Living Classroom Full-Time Day

• September & January
• St. Louis—Parkwood Seniors Community
  Waterloo—726-730 New Hampshire Street
• St. Louis—Sunnyside Home
  Kitchener—247 Franklin Street North

Ask For:

Information about the specific program
stlouis@wcdsb.ca or
(519) 745-1201 ext. 201 (Hair/Culinary)
(519) 745-1201 ext. 288 (PSW)

What:

• Digital Literacy
• Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) Preparation – call for interview and assessment
• Just For Youth after school programs, including reading/math programs
• Literacy and numeracy assessments
• Let’s Get Real – research and development on education/career options for young adults not in school
• Safe Food Handling
• Financial Literacy
• Smart Serve and Customer Service
• Literacy, numeracy and basic skills, employability skills programming
• Hired Up: Your guide to Essential Workplace Skills

Who:

Youth (6–24 years)

Adults (18–99 years)

When:

Call or email the Learning Centre for dates and times of programs. (519) 848-3462 or literacy@thewclc.ca

Office Hours:

• Monday – Thursday at 9:00am–4:00pm
• Friday at 9:00am–12:00pm via appointment

Where:

Arthur—148 George Street

Transportation can be arranged for those who require to and from the office in Arthur

Programs are offered throughout the county in different locations

Ask For:

Stephanie Roeder—Adult Coordinator
stephanie@thewclc.ca

Leanne Kutch—Office Coordinator
leanne@thewclc.ca