WHAT ARE "ESSENTIAL SKILLS"?

Essential skills are the skills people need in order to learn, work and live independently. The Government of Canada has defined 9 key essential skills for the workplace: reading, using documents, numeracy (math, etc.), writing, oral communication, working with others, thinking, computer use and continuous learning. These are the skills needed to work at any job, and they provide the foundation for learning other skills that enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace changes.

Essential Skills Training

Learning new skills and learning to use the skills you have

We build on the strengths you have developed through life experiences, work, carrying out your family responsibilities and past schooling. We use the experience and knowledge you already have to teach you new skills.

Our programs use a practical and task-based approach to get you ready to transition to your next step.

It's not about grades, learning from standardized textbooks,  or memorizing information; it’s an adult-friendly way to learn about things that are relevant and meaningful. You demonstrate progress by completing real-life tasks as you move from level to level along YOUR goal path.

Whether your goal is find or keep your job, go back to school or just to live more independently, essential skills are really important to have.

Essential skills include things like:

• Finding and using information by reading and interpreting documents.
• Communicating ideas and information by writing, interacting with others and completing and creating documents.
• Understanding and using numbers, like knowing how to manage your money and your time, and using measures.
• Using digital technology by learning how to use the computer for sending emails, searching for jobs and using programs like Microsoft Word and Excel.

Our training programs will help you learn these important skills so that you have the tools you need to reach your goal.