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At Peel Adult Learning Centre in Mississauga and Brampton, we understand that negotiating salary and benefits can be intimidating, yet, it's essential. Whether you are entering the workforce or seeking advancement, we’re here to help you with some great strategies to make your negotiations successful. Learn more in our blog below, and contact us today.

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Here at Peel Adult Learning Centre in Mississauga and Brampton, we want to provide you with essential information concerning the new CAEC (formerly the GED) to support your educational journey towards further education and earning a valuable educational credential. Here are four crucial things you should know about the new CAEC. Get in touch with us today.

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The GED has been a recognized educational credential for adults seeking further education in Canada. Recently, the GED has been rebranded as the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC), offering more opportunities for individuals looking to advance their education and career prospects. As a reliable and trusted qualification, the CAEC provides a pathway for students to pursue higher education or better job opportunities. Learn more below, and get in touch with Peel Adult Learning Centre in Mississauga and Brampton today.

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Peel Adult Learning Centre in Mississauga and Brampton offers a variety of programs designed to help individuals enhance their skills and prepare for success in the workplace. Our CollegeReady, WorkReady, ApprenticeshipReady, and Skills for Employment Programs are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students. Learn more about how our further education programs work below, and contact us today.

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At Peel Adult Learning Centre in Mississauga and Brampton, we are dedicated to equipping individuals with the essential employment skills needed to succeed in the modern workplace. Effective communication skills play a pivotal role in career success, and we are here to provide you with valuable tips to enhance your communication abilities in professional settings. Enroll in our further education programs today.

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Digital literacy is crucial in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world. It refers to the ability to use and navigate digital technology effectively and responsibly. At Peel Adult Learning Centre, we offer courses that cover essential skills for the digital age. Enroll in our employment skills training in Mississauga or Brampton today.

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At Peel Adult Learning Centre, we are proud to offer our ApprenticeshipReady Program in Mississauga and Brampton. Our comprehensive program is designed to equip individuals with the necessary academic skills, employability skills, apprenticeship support, and personalized programming to thrive in their chosen trades. Learn more below about the benefits of this apprenticeship training program, and enroll today!

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At Peel Adult Learning Centre in Mississauga or Brampton, we are passionate about providing individuals with a wide range of options for higher education. Whether you're considering a traditional college or trade school, or interested in our specialized programs, such as CollegeReady, ApprenticeshipReady, and WorkReady, we offer opportunities to suit your unique goals and aspirations. Get started today!

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In today's competitive job market, a systematic and well-thought-out job search strategy is key to landing your desired position. The Peel Adult Learning Centre (PALC) is dedicated to equipping job seekers with vital skills and strategies to navigate this process successfully. Let's explore four essential tactics provided by PALC for a successful job search. Enroll in our further education courses today!

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MEDIA RELEASE - November 17, 2023

Peel Adult Learning Centre Celebrates Digital Training and Technology Acquisition

Brampton, ON – On Friday, the Peel Adult Learning Centre (PALC) met with local MPP Graham McGregor to showcase the impact of a $77,700 Capital Grant they received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in November 2022.

“Re-entry into the learning environment is tough, and with more than half of Brampton residents being caretakers, newcomers, and seniors, it can be even tougher for our community,” said Graham McGregor, MPP for Brampton North. “I’m happy to know that those at Peel Adult Learning Centre recognize this and with the $77,700 contribution, Ontario Trillium Foundation is demonstrating that they do too.”

As a result of the OTF Capital Grant, PALC was able to update and expand its digital equipment and widen its service coverage to introduce mobile classrooms in both community and workplace programs in need. It was also able to better serve its in-house learners in both the academic upgrading and employment based WorkReady program streams.

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When it comes to landing a job, it's essential to possess the skills that employers are looking for. The Peel Adult Learning Centre with locations in Mississauga and Brampton provides valuable education and training, equipping individuals with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce. Here are some of the top skills that employers seek in candidates from the Peel Adult Learning Centre. Contact us today!

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Peel Adult Learning Centre, is a non-profit adult education centre that provides programming designed to help adults continue their education and level up their career skills. We have been providing these courses for 30 years and are committed to working with our students from the time you enroll into a class until you’ve successfully completed the program and are ready to transition to your next steps.

In today’s blog post from the Peel Adult Learning Centre (PALC), we are going to discuss how we can help you build your confidence, skills, and knowledge through our adult education classes and services. With locations in Mississauga and Brampton, we are sure to have a class that will fit your needs and schedule. Read on to learn more.

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Human beings are undoubtedly social creatures and according to medical science, we have an innate need to belong. Research goes on to state that our nervous systems expect human presence around us. If our natural function requires that we be around others, could this influence the way we communicate, listen and learn new things?

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The past year has been a challenging year for many of us. From global political division, racial injustice and the loss of loved ones, to new vaccine protocols, and varying rollout restrictions, this year has been nothing short of remarkable. Economic uncertainty has not only affected us mentally and emotionally. It has caused the labour market to shift quickly.

While some businesses are closing departments, laying off staff, shifting to remote home offices, and dealing with a growing retiring workforce, the Government of Canada is predicting a moderate employment outlook across the country. As the labour market trends in the right direction, jobs are evolving and today’s workplace demands a new level of creative thinking and problem-solving. Your past responsibilities and work experience provide the foundation; however, some employers and apprenticeship programs require that individuals hold a high school diploma or GED credential to qualify. The time is right to build a solid plan and demonstrate that you are the perfect candidate.

Continuing your education allows you to keep up with the latest technologies, advance your knowledge and skills, and make you more marketable. Preparing and passing your GED test is the first step on the road to employment, post-secondary, or apprenticeship goal paths. Your GED will provide high school-level knowledge and skills in writing, reading, mathematics, social studies and science.

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We’d all like to make big changes in some aspect of our life – career, relationships, personal health, or education, to name a few. Some quick fixes would be nice, but most likely, these types of changes don’t happen overnight.

However, the good news is that you can start creating and practicing new habits that put you on the road to making a difference in your world – in a fairly short period of time.

Most people can drop or create a habit within 30 days. The only item you need is commitment. Do you have what it takes?

This list will provide you with a few ideas. Put your creative thinking cap on, and you’ll develop a few of your own ideas for challenges that will make a positive difference in your life:

  1. Try a new recipe. Let’s face it. You have the same thing for breakfast every day. Only a couple of different things for lunch. And maybe 10 different things for dinner. You’ve been eating the same stuff for years! Try something new. You’re bound to find something you love. Eat something new each day for a month.
  2. Drink only water for a month. How much do you rely on your morning cafe latte? You’re about to find out. Just go one month without drinking anything other than what your adult body was designed to drink – water.
  3. Give up your news habit. See how many days you can go without watching or reading any news – either on TV, on the internet, or on you social media channels. Think you’ll miss out on something important? Your friends will tell you.
  4. Take a cold shower. There are lots of health benefits to be found from taking cold showers. They’re great for your mood and immune system. See how tough you really are. One tip: Rather than starting with a cold shower, start with a hot shower and gradually keep turning the temperature down. It’s refreshing!
  5. Wake up 30 minutes earlier. Get out of bed 30 minutes earlier and do something productive. You might try learning another language or reading. It might be a good time for a walk. Maybe you’ll meditate, pray, or write. See how special the morning can be before everyone else gets up!
  6. Avoid complaining. Thirty days without complaining? Can you do it? You might struggle at first if you have a habit of complaining. But you’ll feel great by the end of the month!
  7. Avoid negative thoughts. How about skipping all negative thoughts for a month? It’s important to catch yourself early in the process, and there will be plenty of times you’ll have to catch yourself. Breaking this one negative habit can make a huge positive difference in your life.
  8. Do something nice for someone each day. You can do 30 things for the same person or for a variety of people. The choice is yours. Try to accomplish this anonymously. You’ll learn how good it feels to do something for someone else without getting anything in return.
  9. Study something for a month. Pull the old guitar out of the attic. Learn how to paint. Practice your writing or math skills to get motivated for further studies. This is a great challenge to combine with waking up earlier. What will you learn this month?
  10. Exercise daily for a month. It doesn’t have to be challenging, but do something physical each day for 30 days. Think of ways you can enjoy this time. You might shoot baskets in the driveway one day and meet a friend for tennis the next. Take the family for a hike. Play with your dog. Just do something active.
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Regardless of how much you love your job or your educational program, there will always be times when you have trouble motivating yourself to get things done. It happens to everyone from time to time. During the slow times, you’re able to slack off a bit. However, a too-relaxed attitude begins to cause waves when a deadline is looming and you have a project to finish.

Use these six tips to help you to meet any deadline:

  1. Slowly but steadily. Unless you’re dealing with a last-minute project, it’s likely that you’re given adequate notice about the deadline. Break each project into manageable chunks and chip away at the project one manageable step at a time.
  • When you break a large project down into manageable steps, you increase your chances of successfully meeting your deadline. In fact, if you work at your project consistently instead of rushing to complete it at the last minute, you’ll likely be able to turn in high quality work well before the deadline.
  1. Make it measurable. Working towards a deadline without measurable goals is like trying to lose 10 pounds in a month without checking the scale. Create predefined daily goals that allow you to receive feedback on your progress.
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The Peel Adult Learning Centre will be moving to in-person program delivery starting September 7 at both of our locations.

Please note that only double-vaccinated individuals will be accepted for in-person learning and assessments. All others will be placed in our virtual class (or on our waiting list for our virtual class depending on availability).

In-person learning will resume for the following programs:

  • GED/College Prep
  • Customer Service Readiness
  • Basic Computers

We have several measures in place to ensure the health and safety of our staff and our learners including:

  • Carefully planned, socially-distanced classroom set-up
  • Individualized timetables to allow for social distancing
  • Masks must be worn at all times and are required to enter the building
  • Hand sanitizing stations placed throughout the site.
  • Desks cleaned between lesson periods
  • No entry to facility without a prior appointment
  • Daily COVID screening forms
  • Stay home if you feel unwell

If you have any questions about our return to in-person program delivery or our COVID-19 safety plan, please reach out to us at 905-507-0111.

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Who doesn’t love the vibrant colours of autumn? It’s fascinating to watch how nature transforms to prepare for and adapt to the changing seasons.

With the changing of the leaves and the small dips in temperature comes the pitter-patter of little feet and ringing school bells. Yes, school is back in session. It’s not just for children, though. Many adults are also heading back to the books to prepare for the GED test so they can advance their careers, get ready for college, or improve themselves personally.

Yes, the laid-back days of summer are behind us, and it’s time once again to roll up our sleeves and get down to business. However, just the thought of it all can be downright overwhelming. The days can be chaotic, the pressure mounts, and you also have to deal with everyone’s (and your own!) changing moods. When the stress of it all kicks in – sometimes needing to manage family, work, and school all at once – you’re left to wonder how on earth you’re going to do it all…..and do it well!

One of the best things you can do for yourself to prepare for stressful times is to create and stick to daily serenity rituals. By doing this, you’ll get better and better at creating a mental space where you can do your best work.

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It’s a given that one of the biggest bonuses of working in customer service is that you get to work with people everyday. But are there any other benefits?

We’ve listed 5 of our favourites here:

1. Learn how to communicate really well.

Working in a customer service position has a number of advantages, including training on how to speak to clients and improving overall communication skills. This skill set can transfer over well in personal situations, too.

2. Learn to deal with stressful situations

Customer service is rewarding, but it can feel challenging at times. After all, you’re accountable to customers, managers, and the company. However, you will learn and develop many skills to cope effectively.

Working in this field will have you ready for almost any type of stressful situation in both work and life!

3. Learn to use a variety of technologies

Customer service isn’t just about the in-person experience.

During the pandemic, businesses have had to find ways to stay connected with customers and meet their needs using technology. Customer service professionals use this technology daily.

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If you’ve been feeling stuck in your job, perhaps you’ve been thinking about your ideal career and what that looks like. Have you ever stopped to figure out what you want to get out of your future career? The answer usually isn’t just “an income.” We all have dreams of what we’d like to accomplish in our career.

Some people imagine being at the head of a business, leading the rest of the team to success. Others just want a job where they feel like they’re making a difference.

One of the best ways to make your dreams a reality is to set effective goals.

Setting realistic career goals is how you visualize your target and come up with a solution to help you reach out. While there’s no guarantee that your plan will always go off without a hitch, a goal will at least keep you pointed in the right direction.

The key to successfully setting goals is ensuring that they’re clear, realistic, and achievable.

Consider these top tips for establishing successful targets.

Get Clear

First, exactly what do you want to achieve?

It’s not enough to just say “I want to be the boss.” Do you want to be the CEO of a corporation, the manager of your own team, or the head of your own business? Get to the heart of what you really want and be as specific as possible.

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Mindful writing is a powerful skill to practice for personal development. It doesn’t end there, though. By being consistent with your journaling, over time, the habit will help you become more productive and efficient with writing you need to accomplish in school or at work.

In our previous post, we covered four prompts that you can use to help you get your journaling juices flowing! Today, we’ll share four more prompts to help you kick it into high gear:

What is the one thing you most want to accomplish? We have a tendency to get involved in too many minor things.

  • What are you willing to sacrifice to accomplish that one great thing?
  • What are you willing to give up now in order to get what you want later?
  • What have you been dreaming about for a long time that you can feel in your gut will make a bid difference in your life?

What is one skill you wish you had?

  • What skill would have the greatest impact on your life?
  • What skill is most appealing to you?
  • How would that impact your life? Be specific about what you would see, or not see, in that future vision.
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Writing isn’t just a great skill to have for school or work. The practice of mindful writing, using writing prompts, can be personally powerful – they can help you to consider things you might not ever think about on your own. Writing is an effective process for personal growth because it forces you to slow your thinking and organize your thoughts. You can’t write nearly as quickly as you can think!

There are numerous writing prompts that can help you to discover more about yourself and possibly open up new ideas and possibilities. Here are a few to get you started:

How do you think others view you? Imagine being an observer and watching yourself go through your typical day. What would you think about yourself if you were the average person? What changes do you think you should make based on this observation?

  • There can be a big difference between how you observe yourself through your own eyes compared to how the world views you.
  • Getting “outside of yourself”, even just for a moment, may help you notice habits that you weren’t aware of.
  • Some of these habits are positive ones that you should continue, but others may not be as favourable and could be holding you back.
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My name is Moji. Before PALC, I worked at the RBC ( Royal Bank of Canada). I was a customer service representative. I worked there for eight years and 6months. I was a dedicated worker, but I never moved positions. I trained and even did peer mentoring but was always stuck. I later had to leave because I had a crisis in my family life which led me to mental and psychological breakdown.

The way I was feeling about my future was not good. I had established myself and I thought I would eventually move into another position at RBC, but after my breakdown, I was disappointed. I felt like a failure and I was lost. I have 2 kids so I started borrowing strength from them. They picked me up when I was down and I looked at them as a responsibility, so I had to do whatever it takes.

A NEW START

Starting all over was not part of my plans, but here I was at PALC and determined to succeed, so I was ready to start all-over. I found PALC very accommodating. My initial encounter with the reception would make or break me and it encouraged me even more. PALC made me comfortable. Made me safe and made me feel like I was making the most amazing decision.

When I started classes I felt a little lost. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back to school. I was still worried about an income but Jen, one of my instructors, was such an amazing human being. She is full of resources and empathy. I eventually got the hang of it.

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How can you stay motivated when learning moves online? In the classroom, you are physically present with an instructor to engage you in the subject and other adult learners to socialize with. When it’s just you, your room, your laptop, and a zoom call, sometimes you need to take charge of your experience. Did we mention the distractions at home, too?

You need to find a balance that will enable you to continue your education while fulfilling your other responsibilities. Try this formula for making learning effective and fun.

Staying Disciplined with Virtual Learning:

  1. Set goals. Keep your purpose firmly in mind. Remember your main objectives, whether you want to upgrade your skills to get a better job, qualify for college entrance, or pursue an apprenticeship.
  2. Plan your week. Block out time for your most important activities. Tackle demanding tasks during the hours when you’re usually at peak performance.
  3. Establish routines. Cutting down on daily decisions can make you more efficient. Adopt habits like doing your assigned readings one hour before bedtime.
  4. Limit distractions. Focus your attention on your studies. Keep your phone and TV turned off during school hours.
  5. Start small. Baby steps build momentum and make big projects seem less overwhelming. Break your work down into specific measurable tasks. You might spend a morning outlining your essay or summarizing your notes.
  6. Dress up. Getting out of your pajamas and putting on pants can help make you more productive. Comb your hair even when you’re alone and off camera.
  7. Perform reviews. Work on your study skills. Ongoing reviews of your class materials will help you to remember what you’ve studied and may help you earn higher marks.
  8. Take tests. Research shows that practice tests are one of the most effective ways to learn. Your instructor may provide them, or you can write your own.
  9. Create priorities. Respect your limits. If you’re adding coursework on top of your other responsibilities, give yourself adequate time for sleep and other essentials. Scratch some other items off your to do list if possible.
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We know that last year was a challenge for a lot of people on many levels. The key to bringing in a new year with a brighter outlook lies in your goal setting strategy. Do you have one?

Perhaps you’ve been thinking about getting a better job or going back to school? If so, set some clear and attainable goals for yourself that will help you get there. Here’s how you can do that:

Don’t Rush

Take a step-by-step approach to your goal. It’s important to take it slow and not take on too much at once. The main reason that some people fail when it comes to their New Year’s goals is because they take on too much at once and don’t have a realistic plan to follow through with.

It’s easy to say: “I want to get a better job” or “I want a college diploma.” Keep in mind that big goals like these will take some time and effort. Job searching can be hard to even begin because the thought of it may feel overwhelming. Getting a post-secondary education requires time and patience as it can take a few years to get it under your belt.

Remember that sometimes the beginning can be the hardest part. Get a support team of a few friends or family members together. They can be your cheerleaders and help you muster up the courage and enthusiasm to continue with your efforts. You’re not in it to give up……you’re a warrior!

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