Tag Archives: Adult Training Programs

Features of Adult Training Programs

Adult training programs focus on helping individuals reach the goals they have for work, learning and life. The following list outlines the ways adult training programs are unique.

Support

  • Training is free
  • Funding for childcare, transportation and technology may be available
  • Successes are recognized and accomplishments are celebrated

Training Designed for Adults

  • Woman working at a computerPrograms are supportive, adult-focused and flexible
  • Instructors understand the learning needs of adults
  • Training is customized to the needs and goals of each person
  • Each person completes an assessment so they know their current strengths and needs
    • People only study things they need to learn for their goal – there is no need to study what they already know
  • Each person develops their own learning plan
  • Learning is activity-based or task-based so people learn the things they will need to know at work, in class and in their lives
    • For example, many of the documents we use have been provided to us directly by employers

Goal Paths

People select from five goal path options including goals of Secondary, Post-Secondary, Work, Apprenticeship or Independence.

  • Goals are set and then measured along the way

man working at computerLearning Space

  • We offer a quiet, inclusive, safe and welcoming place to learn
  • People have a safe place to try new things
  • We offer training online, in groups and one-to-one, including tutors
  • Learning includes individualized support 

Community

  • Our programs support the goals of our partners and funders
  • We work with our partners and respect any action plan developed
  • We communicate with partners and work together to support learners
  • We make referrals to our community partners, as needed

Learn More

Please contact Carrie Wakeford if you would like to learn more. You can also contact any of the adult training programs directly.

 

Math and the Skilled Trades

Measurement tools including a tape measureIn addition to the well-known trades of plumber, electrician and carpenter, the skilled trades also include hairdresser, baker, child and youth worker, educational assistant, roofer, heavy equipment operator, machinist and drywall finisher.

These are just a few of the 144 skilled trades in Ontario.

Although these trades are very different, they have one thing in common – they all need the people in the field to have some math skills.

To see a full list of the 144 skilled trades visit this Explore the Trades page.  You can also learn more about the trades at the Apprentice Search website.  

Math Skills Needed in the Trades

Below you will find a list of some of the math skills needed in the trades.

  • Complete measurements
    • Distance, pressure, tolerances, temperatures, volume, quantities, perimeters
  • Assess angles
  • Read gauges
  • Read blueprints
  • Mix chemicals
  • Set prices
  • Complete estimates and invoices
  • Manage stock
  • Take orders
  • Set budgets
  • Track statistics

For a detailed list of the math skills needed in the trades, visit the foundations section of this Trades – Math document.

Don’t worry if it has been a while since you were in a math class or you have realized you are not familiar with everything on this list.  Contact any of the free adult upgrading, and training programs for help.

Trades Assessment

3D drawing of a hoursOur adult training and upgrading programs offer assessments to help you pick the skills you need to focus on to get you where you want to go in the trades.

The federal government also has a free online self-assessment.  It is called ‘Essential Skills Self-Assessment for the Trades‘.

The math section of this self-assessment will give you another list of the math skills needed in the trades.

This assessment includes measurement (metric / imperial), dimensions (area or volume), estimates (time, distance, volume or quantity), ratios and proportions (using scale drawings) and geometry (calculate slopes or elevation).

If you complete this assessment and feel like you might need assistance, contact an adult training program in your area.  We can help with training or a math refresher.

Free Adult Training and Upgrading

Adult training and upgrading programs can help you develop the core math skills needed to work in any trade.

We make sure you have the base you need so you are ready to learn trade specific math once you are in an apprenticeship, training program or when you need to learn on-the-job.

Adult training and upgrading programs are for people who are:

  • thinking about working in a trade
  • working in a trade
  • registered as an apprentice 
  • preparing for the Certificate of Qualification (CofQ) exam

We can help you pinpoint the skills you need to develop for the trade you are interested in, which means your training will be customized, short and focused.

Workbooks

There are free workbooks available online.  Below you will find two available through the Canadian Government.  

A free trades-math workbook:

A free Essential Skills workbook for the trades:

If you are working through these workbooks and find you have questions or would like some support, we can help.  

Contact Us

triangle, circle, measurements on purple backgroundContact any of our programs to find out how we can help you move successfully into a skilled trade or do well in your current apprenticeship.

For a list of services in the Haliburton, City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Northumberland and Hastings visit our programs page.  Or contact Carrie Wakeford at or 705 313-4385.

To find a program in other areas of Ontario, visit the Learning Networks of Ontario website.