Academic and Career Preparation

Academic and Career Preparation is for you if you want to:

  • Gain the confidence you need to succeed at work or in school
  • Meet requirements for entry into college or apprenticeship
  • Get ready for testing for employment or college entrance, including the College Placement Assessment (CPA) and the Health Occupations Aptitude Exam (HOAE)
  • Develop skills for success and computer skills to support your goals
  • Improve your study strategies and likelihood of success in postsecondary
  • Get high school equivalent credits
  • Get a credential equivalent to a Grade 12 diploma
  • Prepare for the General Education Development (GED) test

Employment Ontario logo Feb 2017

This Employment Ontario  program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario and through the Canada- Ontario Job Fund Agreement.

The future is yours again

Academic and Career Preparation is a goal-directed, flexible, supportive upgrading program that accommodates the realities of a busy life.

After completing a skills assessment, you will develop a customized training plan to achieve your goals. Upgrading courses are available through the year with flexible schedules and start dates, in a college environment designed for adults

Not sure what the future holds? We can help you identify goals and start to move forward.

Build your own plan

Academic and Career Preparation is designed to bring your reading, writing, math and other essential skills to a high school level.

In Academic and Career Preparation, you can build skills or work toward high school credit equivalencies.

The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate is recognized as equivalent to a Grade 12 diploma by all Ontario colleges, and by many employers. ACE also meets the requirements for entrance into apprenticeships across the province. The ACE certificate is made up of four credits, including mandatory courses,

  • Communications
  • Core Mathematics

Any two of the following courses:

  • Technical Math
  • Apprenticeship Math
  • Business Math
  • Computers
  • Keys to Success
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

Individual ACE courses are also recognized as Grade 11 or Grade 12 equivalent credits for college or apprenticeship entrance.

GED testing

Although Georgian College does not administer the GED testing*, Ontario High School General Equivalency Certificate, you can attend the upgrading program to prepare for writing the GED.

For more information about the GED (Ontario High School General Equivalency Certificate) test, please visit the Independent Learning Centre.

Need a bit more help?

As a Georgian College student, you will benefit from all the supports available through our Student Success department, including counselling, accessibility supports, as well as learning strategies and technologies. We are here to support you before, during and after you attend Academic and Career Preparation.

Upgrade at a location near you. Academic and Career Preparation is available at all seven Georgian College campuses as well as in Huntsville, Shelburne and Wasaga Beach. Each location offers a welcome, safe and friendly environment.

Please click on the campus tabs in the menu above for information about specific offerings at each campus.

Who is eligible?

You are invited to apply to the Academic and Career Preparation program if you are 19 or older and a resident of Ontario. Some applicants 16 to 18 years of age may also be eligible. Non-residents may register on a fee-paying basis.

Academic and Career Preparation is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, providing free upgrading for eligible learners. There is no tuition fee for most applicants. Assistance with child care or travel costs may also be available.

ACE online

For ACE online options, please contact the Georgian College Ontario Learn office at 705.728.1968, ext. 5116.

Don’t hesitate – accelerate your learning today!

Courses

The following courses are available at the Barrie Campus:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computers
  • Communications*
  • Keys to Success**
  • Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)*

*Evening classes also available
**Online classes also available

Biology, Chemistry and Keys to Success are teacher-led, which means that the class moves through the material as a group, with regularly scheduled tests, assignments and labs. (Keys to Success also available online.) The other courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.

Start dates

Most courses have monthly start dates, with the exception of Biology and Chemistry

  • Chemistry, Monday and Wednesday, 8 to 11 a.m., Sept. 5 to Dec. 12, 2018 (video conferencing format)
  • Biology, Tuesday and Thursday, 8 to 11 a.m., Sept. 4 to Dec. 13, 2018

Apply for in-class courses

Please contact, by phone, email or in-person:

Visit us on Facebook.

Apply for ACE distance courses

Courses

The following courses are available at the Midland Campus:

  • Biology*
  • Chemistry*
  • Computers
  • Communications
  • Keys to Success
  • Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)*
  • GED Preparation*

*Evening classes also available

Biology, Chemistry and Keys to Success are teacher-led, which means that the class moves through the material as a group, with regularly scheduled tests, assignments and labs. Communications, Mathematics, Computers and GED Preparation are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.

Start dates

Start dates and times vary. Please see below for contact information.

Apply for in-class courses

Please contact, by phone, email or in-person:

Find us on Facebook.

Apply for ACE distance courses

Courses

The following courses are available in either Huntsville (HV) or Bracebridge (BB):

  • Biology (BB)
  • Chemistry (BB)
  • Computers* (BB, HV)
  • Communications* (BB, HV)
  • Keys to Success (BB, HV)
  • Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)* (BB, HV)

*Evening classes also available

Biology and Chemistry are teacher-led, which means that the class moves through the material as a group, with regularly scheduled tests, assignments and labs. The other courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.

Start dates

Most courses are continuous intake, with the exception of Biology and Chemistry.

Apply for in-class courses

Please contact, by phone, email or in-person:

Apply for ACE distance courses

The following courses are available in either Orangeville (OV) or Shelburne (SH):

  • Biology (OV, SH)
  • Chemistry (OV, SH)
  • Communications (OV, SH)
  • Computers (OV, SH)
  • Keys to Success (OV)
  • LBS (Literacy and Basic Skills) Mathematics, English, including General Educational Development (GED) test preparation (OV, SH)
  • Mathematics (Core, Business, Technical) (OV, SH)

Keys to Success is teacher-led, which means the class moves through the material as a group, with regularly scheduled tests and assignments. Literacy and Basic Skills (including GED test preparation) is available in class and via independent study with one-on-one assistance. The other courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.

Academic and Career Preparation program flyer

Pathways to Employment

This is a FREE three-week program that helps you gain the confidence and skills needed for success in today’s workforce. Add new computer, communication and planning skills and qualifications to your resume.

The next intake is Oct. 16 to Nov. 1.

Start dates

Courses are continuous intake, with the exception of Keys to Success, Literacy and Basic Skills (including GED test preparation) and Computers

  • GED testing – please phone for information

Apply for in-class courses

Please contact, by phone, email or in-person:

Apply for ACE distance courses

Pathways to Employment program details and registration instructions

Courses

The following courses are available at the Orillia Campus:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computers*
  • Communications*
  • Keys to Success**
  • Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)*

*Evening classes available
**Online classes available

Keys to Success is teacher-led, which means that the class moves through the material as a group, with regularly scheduled tests, assignments and labs. The other courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.

Start dates

All courses have monthly start dates with the exception of Biology.

  • Chemistry, Monday and Wednesday, 8 to 11 a.m., Sept. 5 to Dec. 12, 2018 (video conferencing format)
  • Biology, winter 2018, dates to be determined

Apply for in-class courses

Please contact, by phone, email or in-person:

Visit us on Facebook.

Workshops

Pathways to Employment

Pathways to Employment is a four-week workshop that helps you gain the confidence and skills needed for success in today’s workforce. This program is an ideal stepping stone to further educational opportunities.

The next workshop is from Oct. 23 to Nov. 8. Please email Jennifer Rousseau for more information.

Included in the program:

  • Service Excellence certificate
  • Smart Serve certificate
  • Educational/work planning
    • Dress for success
    • Exploring the hidden job market
    • Networking
    • Mock interviews
    • Organizational skills
    • Time management
    • Exploring options
  • Computer Skills
    • Formatting resumés and cover letters
    • Basic Excel
    • Emailing with attachments
    • Online research
    • Completing online applications
  • Workplace math/communications
    • Brush up on your math skills
    • Budgeting
    • Banking
    • Emails and memos
    • Written communication for cover
    • letters and resumés
    • Verbal communications (talking to employers)

For more information, contact Jennifer Rousseau at 705.325.2740, ext. 3024

Apply for ACE distance courses

Courses

The following courses are available at the Owen Sound Campus:

  • Biology*
  • Chemistry*
  • Computers
  • Communications*
  • Keys to Success**
  • Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)*

*Evening classes available
**Online

Biology and Chemistry are teacher-led, which means that the class moves through the material as a group, with regularly scheduled tests, assignments and labs. The other courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.

Start dates

Most courses have monthly start dates, with the exception of Biology and Chemistry:

  • Biology, Monday and Wednesday, 6 to 9 p.m., Sept. 5 to Dec. 12, 2018
  • Chemistry, Tuesday and Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m., Sept. 4 to Dec. 13, 2018

Apply for in-class courses

Please contact, by phone, email or in-person:

Visit us on Facebook.

Apply for ACE distance courses

Academic Upgrading

Academic and Career Preparation courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.

Summer 2018 courses

Redirecting Your Future

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings
July 3 to 19

Learn about:

  • establishing priorities
  • setting boundaries
  • practicing resilience
  • understanding others
  • listening deeply
  • developing meaningful connections

Computing for Employment

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings
July 17 to Aug. 23

Learn about:

  • communicating through MS Outlook
  • writing business letters
  • creating attractive flyers in MS Word
  • preparing MS PowerPoint presentations
  • calculating income and expenses in MS Excel
  • getting workplace-ready

Pathways to Employment

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings
July 31 to Aug. 23

Learn about:

  • safe food handling
  • Smart Serve
  • Service Excellence
  • cash handling
  • strengthening communications
  • setting goals and objectives

NEW – Exploring the trades

Are you interested in exploring the trades? The ACP program is offering a FREE upgrading program for individuals interested in exploring and preparing for a career in the trades.

  • practice math and communication skills specific to trade occupations
  • wse simulation software
  • attend hands-on workshops
  • contact the ACP team at the South Georgian Bay Campus for more information by email or call 705.445.2961, ext. 2911.

Explore careers in trades

View the Academic and Career Preparation flyer

Locations

Collingwood

John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus, 499 Raglan St.

  • Biology*
  • Chemistry*
  • Mathematics* NEW – Tuesday evenings 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Communications* NEW – Tuesday evenings 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Computers
  • Communications
  • Keys to Success
  • Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)

*Evening classes available

Wasaga Beach

Wasaga Beach Library, 120 Glenwood Dr.

  • Computers
  • Communications
  • Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)

Career Solutions, 1367 Mosley St.

  • Communications
  • Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)
  • Wednesday evenings 4 to 6 p.m.

Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce, 550 River Rd. W.

All our ACP class locations are accessible by public transit.

Start dates

Start dates are on a continual basis during the academic year.

Apply for in-class courses

Please contact by phone, email or in-person:

Apply for ACE distance courses

To apply for the Academic and Career Preparation program, please contact the campus nearest you.

Barrie

Midland

Muskoka

Orangeville

Orillia

Owen Sound

South Georgian Bay