Career Pathways

Academic Upgrading is tuition-free programming that provides participants with the opportunity to upgrade their academic skills to reach their personal goals of employment, further education or training.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants may apply to enter college - certificate, diploma, or other college programs, seek employment or participate in Second Career programming.

• Improve written and verbal communication skills
• Update mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry and English
• Prepare for High School Equivalency (GED) tests
• Prepare academic skills to enter post-secondary education
• Entry into college without your Grade 12
• Prepare to write apprenticeship related exams or prepare for successful entry into the workplace
The academic upgrading streams offer adult learners:
• A personal academic assessment
• An individualized ‘Learning Plan’
• Self-paced and goal-oriented learning
• A learner centred teaching approach
• Flexible hours and continuous intake

Specialized Programs

Academic & Career Entrance Certificate (ACE)
Academic Upgrading courses can be applied to the ACE. ACE allows students to achieve the entrance requirements for apprenticeship and many post-secondary college programs in a relatively short period of time. New intake is available every other week. A diagnostic Mathematics and Communication test will determine the academic level of entry into the program. The curriculum consists of Communications, Computers, Self-management/ Self-direction and various Mathematics and Science courses. Course selection is based on the individual’s goals.

Course List
BIOL - 010-0 Biology
CHEM - 010-0 Chemistry
COMP - 010-0 Computers
ENGL - 010-0 Communications
MATH - 010-0 Core Mathematics
MATH - 011-0 Apprenticeship Mathematics
MATH - 012-0 Business Mathematics
MATH - 013-0 Technical Mathematics
PHYS - 010-0 Physics
SKLS - 010-0 Self Management/Self Direction

Recognition
All participants will receive a Lambton College transcript after completing each course. Successful participants who complete the ACE requirements (four courses) will receive a provincial certificate. To receive an ACE certificate, students must successfully complete Communications, Mathematics and two other subjects.

FAQs

Does Lambton College provide academic upgrading guidance and support?
Please call (519) 541-2404. The program staff will be able to offer guidance and support to any questions.

When is the next program intake?
Program information sessions and intake are offered first and third week of every month. Please call for the next available date.

Are students happy with the program?
All indications show the students are pleased with the program. The courses are offered full-time, part-time, days and evenings. Students are able to work around work and family activities while completing their studies.

What are the sizes of the classes?
Class sizes range from 10 – 20 students and students work independently with the support of faculty in the classroom.

If a student is having trouble academically during the program what kinds of supports are available?
The Learning Bridge is a service available to al students. Anyone who experiences trouble academically can receive free tutoring in any subject. For further information call (519) 542-7751 ext. 3444 or email Connie Byrns at connie@lambton.on.ca. Counselling services are also available by appointment or drop in. For an appointment call (519) 542-7751 ext. 3412. The drop in hours are as follows:

Monday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

How many hours of class are there per week?
Day time classes are 5 hours daily Monday – Thursday. Evening classes are 3 hours Monday – Thursday.

How much will the program cost including textbooks and other supplies?
The program is tuition free; there are no extra costs for textbooks or other supplies.

Am I able to use Lambton’s daycare facility?
The Lambton College Early Childhood Education Centre has been providing quality child care services in Lambton County since 1972. Since that time, we have continued to respond to the community need for child care, offering infant, toddler, preschool and school-age care. We provide an inclusive environment that supports all children with diverse needs. For further information, please call 519-541-2405. Training supports are available and may help to offset the costs of daycare services.

Are there any additional supports available?
Based on financial need transportation and daycare may be covered.

Contact Information:
(519) 541-2404

Funded by the Government of Ontario Literacy and Basic Skills Program

Course equivalencies can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and Pre-Programs at Lambton.