Employment Opportunities
Students who complete their Individual Service Plans can expect to secure employment in a variety of industries, or they can seek entrance to higher educational programs within Columbia College, SAIT, Mount Royal University, the University of Calgary, or other post-secondary institutions.
Introduction
This program is designed to help individuals who require academic training in English, mathematics, the sciences and other related essential skills in order to pursue further education opportunities or to improve their employment prospects.
Academic Upgrading (AU) graduates may pursue further education in professional programs at Columbia College, or they may seek further education opportunities at other institutions. For individuals seeking further education opportunities, career services support is provided on an ongoing basis throughout their time in AU to ensure that upon graduation students have achieved an awareness of the entry requirements and related processes associated with different further education training providers.
For those AU graduates seeking employment, job search strategies and work experience placements are offered, with direct support from a work experience counselor who assists students through the job search process. This support may include help with resume preparation, improved awareness of appropriate work place culture, and practical workplace community support.
Features of Program
- Instruction is personalized with normally an average class size of fewer than 18 students per instructor.
- The program provides computer-assisted learning for selected classes.
- The program operates on a year-round basis.
- The program is approved by Alberta Human Services thus enabling students in financial need to access support should they qualify.
- Evening and part-time courses are available depending upon enrollments.
- Students can gain high school credits for completed courses and write Alberta Diploma Exams on site.
Program Descriptions
(Grades 1-6) Basic Education and Essential Skills Training
These courses are for adults who speak and understand English but require basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills in order to obtain employment.
(Grades 7-9)
These courses are for adults who require upgrading of their basic skills in English and mathematics to prepare for employment or to prepare for further education.
(Grades 10-12) High School Courses
These courses are for adults who require upgrading at the grade ten level or higher to obtain meaningful employment, to enter an apprenticeship program or to pursue their career choices through further education at a university or college. Students may enroll full-time or part-time. Students must take a minimum of three classes and attend for a minimum of 20 hours per week in order to be considered full-time students. Tutorial help outside of regular scheduled class time is also available.