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
• Preparation for high school equivalency
• Pre-employment skills preparation to help get and keep jobs. Programs include cash register training, food handlers certification, receptionist training, janitorial training, RentSmart, working in retail, communications training & others
• 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 (19+ 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, N1H 2W8

We also offer remote 1 to 1 tutoring via Zoom

Ask For:

Joanne Morant, Adult Program
(519) 836-2759 (office) or (519) 731-7829 (work cell)
artutor@on.aibn.com or actionread@gmail.com

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)

6 week sessions with mandatory attendance

Where:

Guelph—Wellington Centre for Continuing Education
1428 Gordon Street

Ask For:

Student Services
(519) 836-7280 ext. 627

What:

• 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 (19+ years) with or without a grade 12 diploma (age exceptions may apply)

Students must have a Canadian Language Benchmark level 6 on 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/caa/upgrading/

What:

• Free upgrading program for adults living in the Region of Waterloo
• Upgrading is provided in reading, writing and math to prepare for work or career advancement, high school equivalency or college
• The program is offered in a small group or class setting, by distance learning or in a combination of both to suit your timetable
• The learning plan is customized for your learning goals
• Learn at your own speed in a respectful adult environment

Who:

Adults (19+ years)

If English is not your first language, you must have a CLB Level 6 for Speaking and Listening and CLB Level 5 for Reading and Writing

When:

Continuous intake from September to June
Monday ‒ Thursday at 9:00am‒12:00pm
Monday ‒ Thursday at 12:30pm‒3:30pm
Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00pm‒8:30pm

Where:

Morning and Afternoon Classes:

Cambridge—60 McDonald Avenue
Waterloo—151 Weber Street South (South of Union Street)

Evening Classes:

Kitchener —72 Wilson Avenue Kingsdale Community Centre

Ask For:

Barb Williacy—Coordinator
(519) 885-4356 ext. 5224

What:

We offer a free learning program for adults with developmental disabilities. The program is in a small group or class setting and can be customized for individual needs. ESU4I focuses on development in reading, writing, math, or computer skills to prepare for further training, employment or independence.

Who:

Adults (19+ years)

When:

Friday at 9:00am‒11:00am

Where:

Waterloo—151 Weber Street South (South of Union Street)

Ask For:

Barb Williacy—(519) 885-4356 ext. 5224
Contact ESU using the online Contact Form

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:

Educational Assessments

• Assessments of Literacy and Skills for Success for employment, apprenticeship or college
• Referral into upgrading programs based on personal needs and goals
• Free for adults on Ontario Works in Waterloo Region
• Sliding scale of fees for other individuals

Help for Businesses & Non-Profits

• Clear Writing services
• Bridges out of Poverty training
• Soft Skills Solutions certification training
• All business & non-profit services
  are available for a fee. Contact us for an estimate.

Who:

Adults (18+ years)

When:

Assessments by appointment

Business or Non-Profit services upon request

Where:

• Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo
• Assessments available in person or online
• Employment Resource Centres, LBS sites, or Ontario Works offices

Ask For:

Assessment information, Business or Non-Profit services
(519) 570-3054
or info@projectread.ca

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 and listening skills at a CLB 6.

When:

Continuous intake from September ‒ June. Monday ‒ Thursday programming with day and evening times. Call to confirm times.

Where:

Fergus—Skyline Community Hub (Centre Wellington Big Brothers and Big Sisters)
900 Tower Street South

Mount Forest—Portable at North Wellington Centre for Continuing Education
405B Sligo Road East

Ask For:

Skills Upgrading Program Manager
skillsupgradingprogram@ugconed.ca
(519) 836-7280 ext. 624

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 and listening skills at a CLB 6

When:

Continuous intake from September ‒ June. Monday ‒ Friday programming with day and evening times available.

Where:

Guelph—Wellington Centre for Continuing Education
1428 Gordon Street

Guelph—Tytler Centre for Continuing Education
131 Ontario Street, 3rd Floor

Ask For:

Skills Upgrading Program Manager
skillsupgradingprogram@ugconed.ca
(519) 836-7280 ext. 624

What:

• There are 9 ways to earn Secondary School Credits at St. Louis. Up to 60 Secondary school credit courses available for various grade levels
• Guidance Services is the first step to registering for ANY secondary school credit course for upgrading, post-secondary pre-requisites or completing high school diploma (OSSD)
• Day class instruction for Grades 10‒12 (Part-time or full-time) offered through in-person, dedicated class times
• Language Credit classes (Gr. 9-12) offered once per week from Sept to June. Six languages to choose from
• Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) for mature students to earn secondary school credits based on previous work and life experience. Earn up to 26 credits through meetings and short tests with Guidance
• Credits@Work—earn co-op credits while working (+20 hour Online or handout component). 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
• Correspondence, online, earn credits on your own schedule (20 lessons total at 2 lessons per week). Free Tutoring available for Correspondence students
• No fees for Day Classes, Language Credit classes, PLAR, Summer or Credits@Work. Correspondence requires a $60 fee per course. School-to-Work courses and programs have materials fees.

Who:

• Adults (18+ years)
• Students (16+ years) not attending school full time. For correspondence and Credit@Work options only, additional fees apply

When:

Guidance Services

• Complete online Guidance Intake Form to arrange Guidance Services (available online or in-person)
• September ‒ June
• Monday ‒ Thursday at 8:30am‒12:30pm and 1:30pm‒4:00pm
• Closed Friday (by appointment only)

Day Class Instruction

• Kitchener Main Campus only
• September ‒ June
• 5 terms a year (7-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

Language Credit Class Instruction

• Kitchener Main Campus & Resurrection Catholic Secondary School
• September ‒ June
• Wednesday at 5:30pm‒9:00pm or Saturday at 9:30am‒1:00pm

Correspondence / Self-Directed Study

• Kitchener Main
• Monday ‒ Thursday (no Fridays)
• Registration and 1 to 1 tutor booking information may be found on stlouis.wcdsb.ca

Prior Learning and Recognition (PLAR)

• Continuous registration and ongoing programming (see guidance)

Credits@Work

• Continuous registration and ongoing programming (see guidance)
• Program runs 20 hours online and remainder of time at place of employment

Summer School

• July 2 ‒ 26, 2024
• Monday ‒ Friday at 8:30am‒3:00pm (online or in-person to be determined)

Registration

• Must complete online Guidance Intake Form (Monday to Thursday) to enroll. Transcript or credit counselling summary from last high school required.
• Secondary School Credit Day Class registration generally starts 3 weeks before the start of each term. New term every 2 months.
• Correspondence, Credits@Work and PLAR registration ongoing during Guidance hours of operation
• Summer School and Language Credit registration begins in March

Where:

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

Ask For:

Email—stlouis@wcdsb.ca
or complete Guidance Intake Form
found on website

What:

Core Essentials is a FREE literacy and basic skills program, offered in-person, online, or through a supported remote format. CorE provides extra support while pursuing academic goals or Digital literacy skills.

Students who take Core Essentials

• Prepare for next steps such as: Secondary School Credit courses, 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 in-person and online classroom environments
• Flexible daytime hours of study
• Instruction tailored to your goals
• Certified adult instructors who will guide and prepare you, respect your needs and eagerly help you learn
• Support through Independent Remote Learning
• Upgrading to prepare for many credit classes, including English and Math

Who:

Adults (19+ years)

When:

Core Essentials

• September ‒ June
• In-person classes: Monday – Thursday at 8:45am‒11:45am and/or 12:30pm‒3:00pm
• Online classes: Monday – Thursday at 9:15am‒11:45am and/or 12:45pm‒3:15pm
• Remote Support available: Tuesday – Friday at 8:45am‒11:45am or 1:00pm‒3:30pm

Digital Essentials

• October ‒ March
• Program Format – Flexible options – up to 15 hours
• Support available:
  Remote—Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 4:30pm‒7:30pm
  In Person—Fridays at 8:45am‒11:45am or 1:00pm‒3:30pm

PSW Essentials (for students wishing to enrol in St. Louis PSW Program)

• September ‒ June
• Supported Remote: Tuesday – Friday at 8:45am‒11:45am or 1:00pm‒3:30pm – up to 2‒3 weeks with dedicated daily learning

Where:

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

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 (Kitchener & Cambridge)
• Culinary Arts & Hospitality courses or Training Program (Kitchener only)
• Hairstyling & Barber Training Program (Kitchener only)
• All programs offer in-class instruction, experiential hands-on learning, secondary school elective credits and have minimum 220-hour co-op / work placements
• Tuition is paid by Ministry of Education funding, additional materials fees may apply ($75 per Culinary course, and $1,600/yr for Hairstyling/ Barber Training. Contact PSW office for updates on fees, if applicable).
• Fees subject to change.

Who:

All School-to-Work programs

Adults (18+ years)

Instructors are Certified Teachers or Registered Nurses (PSW). ALL have a minimum of 5 years industry experience.

When:

Full-time day, in-class instruction for all programs, class times vary, plus two-month work placement.

Culinary Arts

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

Hairstyling & Barbering

• Full-time, Monday ‒ Friday at 8:45am‒3:30pm
• Start dates in September, November & March
• Co-op placement times vary

PSW

• Full-time Day: Monday ‒ Friday at 8:45am‒3:30pm
• Part-time Day: Tuesday ‒ Thursday at 8:45am‒3:30pm
• Part-time Evening: Tuesday ‒ Thursday and one Monday per month, at 4:30pm‒9:30pm
• Start dates in September, November & March
• Work placement times vary

Registration

Intake / Registration sessions for Hair & PSW offered throughout the year. See website for details.

Registration for Culinary & Hospitality courses is offered at the same times as Secondary School Credit registration – 5 terms per year. Visit website for upcoming dates and registration processes.

Where:

Culinary, Hair, PSW

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

PSW Part-Time Day Program ONLY

(follows a “Living Classroom” learning model)
St. Louis—Cambridge Fairview Seniors Community
Cambridge—515 Langs Drive

Ask For:

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

What:

• Trades Helper Program
• Digital Literacy
• Preparation for high school equivalency – call for interview and assessment
• Just For Youth after school 1 to 1 tutoring program
• Literacy and numeracy assessments
• Math or reading groups for children 6 to 12 years old
• 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

Who:

Adults (19+ years), Youth (16‒22 years), Children (6‒12 years)

When:

Call the Learning Centre for dates and times of programs

Office Hours:
Monday ‒ Thursday at 9:00am‒4:30pm Friday at 9:00am‒12:00pm

Where:

Arthur—148 George Street
Transportation can be arranged for those who require to and from the office in Arthur

Ask For:

(519) 848-3462 or literacy@thewclc.ca