Skill, learning and opportunity — in their own words.
Every learner who walks through the door of a Get SET program brings a different starting point. Here's where some of them ended up.
From the classroom to the graduation stage — as Valedictorian
Our success story stems from our experience with the individual seeking his high school equivalency in order to apply to the Ontario Provincial Police. We helped him with math resources and instruction and he was successful in achieving his Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC).
He shared his learning journey with our ALC staff prior to being hired by the OPP. He was named the honour of being the Valedictorian of the graduating class in a ceremony at Rama, recently.
Sharing his first-hand knowledge of the CAEC exam has better positioned us to help prepare future learners with key insights into the new high school equivalency.
A 2.5-year journey, and a diploma with her name on it
Our learner joined the Collingwood Get SET Program in January 2024. Due to some learning challenges, she had done minimal schoolwork after Grade 8 with Special Education assistance and an Individual Learning Plan.
Overall, the learner’s learning journey was a long one, which took 2.5 years. The path was also not a smooth one, with several stops and starts on the way. The learner has a passion for animals, especially dogs, and even though she was unsure about a future career at the start of her program, she gravitated towards working with animals.
In spring 2026, the learner walked across the stage at the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Adult and Continuing Education graduation ceremony to receive her much-awaited high school diploma, cheered on by her family. She also received the Skills Upgrading Excellence Award to recognize all the hard work she put in. The learner is now living in her own apartment, supporting herself, and will be pursuing an advanced-level dog-training certification soon, which would enable her to work with her favourite companions. The future looks bright.
From correspondence courses to job-ready
Our learner came to us in May 2023 to complete his Grade 12. He has since graduated and earned his O.S.S.D through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), with the Bluewater District School Board.
He used the Wiarton ALC’s space to complete his work by accessing the resources and computers and help from the Site Lead to complete his correspondence classes.
He has also been working with the ALC Site Lead on updating his job search documents; uploading to job search sites and sending to employers as he is now looking for an apprenticeship of some kind.
This learner comes in 3 days a week to use the computer to upgrade his skills by taking free online courses, which is all added to his resume.
He also received a Chromebook, to keep, from the ALC last year to assist him in his studies and job search process.
A rocky start in school, a running start in college
A young man was referred in by the Y Employment. His barriers to success included ADHD, no means of transportation, low income receiving Ontario Works. He was reluctant at first to do upgrading because traditional school caused lots of anxiety and he had dropped out of school in grade 9.
He was 20 years old at the time of registration. His goal was to obtain his GED. He started prepping for the GED with Jodi Burton-Scheifley and after a couple of months into prepping, the Y Employment referred him to register for our online Soft Skills course, which he completed successfully. He continued to prep for the GED, passing each subject one at a time. He obtained his GED after about 9 months of prepping. A week after successfully completing the GED, OW referred him to register for our online Make Your Way course, which he completed successfully. He ended up getting a part-time job as a food prep in a local restaurant for the summer until he started the 2 year full-time Electrical Techniques course through Georgian College, Owen Sound. He is currently in his 2nd semester of year 1.
He was also working toward getting his driver’s license but had to put that on the back burner while he attends college.
Get SET and Apprenticeship: Building the Foundation
Numeracy skills are the cornerstone of many apprenticeships today. Get SET (Skills, Education, and Training) programs can help strengthen the skills that apprenticeship students need, to be successful in their trade. The Centre for Education & Learning (CEL) is fortunate to partner with The Technical Training Group (TTG) on the delivery of their Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Multiple Trades Exposure Programs in Clinton and Listowel.
Part of the programming the CEL delivers includes a comprehensive Trade Math Course through it’s Get SET program. Our trainees have benefited enormously from this course. The team at the CEL consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our trainees gain foundational math skills that will help them successfully pursue careers in the skilled trades and apprenticeships.”
Liz Balletto
TTG Office and Pre-Apprenticeship Program Administrator
Adults bring rich experiences and transferable skills to their training, while juggling work, home life and further education to pursue new opportunities for themselves. Many of our pre-apprenticeship students have been away from formal education for some time and are apprehensive about returning to school or taking a math course. Our practitioners help students overcome barriers, by providing extra support, acting as learning coaches and giving encouragement along the way.
Almost 2 years ago, I started my journey into welding. It has its ups and downs but I went to the CEL to upgrade my math for trade math. They taught me a lot [and] they slowed everything down so I can understand a lot more. Blair even took the time out of his workday to help me out as well. With a trade math from TTG and the CEL, they teach you more so you are prepared. You are learning every day you put your brain to work. The team of TTG and the CEL [are] there to help and they prove it every day.
Michel Long
Pre-Apprenticeship Graduate
From an Ontario Works referral to a Business program acceptance
Partnership with Emily Murphy, Ontario Works
A learner referred through Ontario Works completed academic upgrading requirements and achieved a GED.
The learner subsequently gained admission to a Business program at Conestoga College. The partnership demonstrated how coordinated support can help clients progress from foundational learning to post-secondary education.
Upgrading skills without leaving the shop floor
Partnership with a Manufacturing Company in Perth County.
Conestoga worked with a local manufacturing employer to provide asynchronous computer upgrading training.
Employees who required stronger digital skills to qualify for promotions participated in customized training. The flexible format allowed workers to complete learning while maintaining employment responsibilities.
“It’s never too late to pursue your dreams”
Returning to school as an adult in my 30s was one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made. As a parent of three children and working full time, I wasn’t sure how I would be able to balance everything. I knew I wanted a better future for my family, and found my dream later to become a nurse, but I needed academic upgrading before I could apply to the nursing program at college.
Returning to school as an adult in my 30s was one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made. As a parent of three children and working full time, I wasn’t sure how I would be able to balance everything. I knew I wanted a better future for my family, and found my dream later to become a nurse, but I needed academic upgrading before I could apply to the nursing program at college.
The academic upgrading program gave me the confidence, knowledge, and skills I needed to succeed. The instructors were supportive and encouraging, helping me believe in my abilities. There were many late nights studying after work and caring for my children, I remained committed to my goal.
Because of the academic upgrading program, I met the admission requirements and was accepted into the Practical Nursing program at Georgian College’s Owen Sound Campus. Today, I am blessed to be entering my second year of nursing. Through hard work and perseverance, I have earned a place on the deans academic list, an achievement that reminds me how far I’ve come.
Looking back, enrolling in the academic upgrading program, was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It opened the door to opportunities I once thought were out of reach and gave me the foundation to succeed in college. My journey is proof that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. No matter your age or circumstances, with determination, perseverance, and the right support, you can achieve your goals. I am incredibly grateful.
Amanda Baker
Academic and Career Preparation Program
Want to see it in their voice?
Watch video testimonials from learners across the QUILL region.
