Learning Pathways

Learning pathways are the structure and journey that helps us guide our learning with collaboration from others. For example, a person seeking promotion requires a high school diploma to qualify might add Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) Prep courses to their learning pathway. He would have to book the test with a local approved testing centre. He would need to secure funds from a support agency to offset the costs of tuition, resources, and testing. He would need to find a learning organization that offers valid and reliable prep. Even more so, he would need to connect with an advisor to come up with a plan for continuing education to sustain this learning pathway.

Given Chestermere’s rapid growth, cultural diversity, lack of current adult education programs, and emerging industry needs, a partnership with SAIT’s Continuing Education and Professional Studies department can fill significant gaps.

The following is a list of strategic learning pathways that would serve both the community and local industry:

• Foundational & Academic Upgrading Pathway
  Chestermere has no current adult education programming, so a basic starting point is critical.
  
  • Literacy and Numeracy Skills
    For adults needing to strengthen English, reading, writing, and math.
  • High School Equivalency / CAEC Prep
    For adults who did not complete high school. Prepares learners for the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC).
  • English Language Learning (ELL)
    Especially important given the city’s cultural diversity. Should include workplace communication, academic English, and language for specific purposes.
• Skilled Trades & Pre-Apprenticeship Pathway
  For both youth and adults seeking practical, job-ready skills in fields with current labour shortages.
  • Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
    Target areas like electrical, plumbing, carpentry, welding — taught in modular, stackable formats.
  • Microcredentials in Skilled Trades
    Short courses recognized by industry for specific tools, safety, or software (e.g., WHMIS, CNC machine operation).
  • Women in Trades & Indigenous Trades Access
    To reflect and support underrepresented groups in trades training.
• Health Care & Human Services Pathway
  The demand for health and elder care continues to grow across Alberta.
  • Health Care Aide & Support Worker Training
    Fast-track programs leading to employment in long-term care, home care, and support roles.
  • Mental Health First Aid & Community Support Training
    For both employment and stronger civic engagement in a diverse community.
• Digital & Business Skills Pathway
  Supports workforce readiness and entrepreneurship for both new and established residents.
  • Digital Literacy & Office Technology
    From basic computer skills to Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and workplace apps.
  • Accounting, Payroll & Bookkeeping
    Targeted at small business owners and career changers.
  • Entrepreneurship & Business Start-up Programs
    For immigrants and locals interested in starting businesses — could tie into mentorship or incubator programs.
• Industry-Specific Pathways
  These depend on Chestermere’s local and regional economic development priorities.
  • Construction & Infrastructure
    With Chestermere growing fast, offer construction management, safety, and trades training.
  • Logistics & Supply Chain
    Relevant if distribution, warehousing, or transport is growing in the area.
  • Hospitality & Retail Service Training
    Especially helpful for newcomers — can include customer service, food safety, and POS systems.
• Pathways for Newcomers and International Professionals
  Helps residents with international credentials or those unfamiliar with Canadian systems.
  • Bridge-to-Employment Programs
    Combine ELL, career prep, and workplace culture orientation.
  • PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition)
    Evaluate and recognize previous education/work experience.
• Community & Lifelong Learning Pathway
  Supports inclusion, wellness, and participation.
  • Cultural Competency & Anti-Racism Workshops
    Helps foster inclusivity and mutual understanding.
  • Civic Literacy & Leadership Programs
    Encourages participation in local government, schools, and nonprofits.

Delivery Models to Consider

• Blended or Hybrid Learning
  To serve commuters, shift workers, or those with family responsibilities.
• Community-Based Classrooms or Mobile Labs
  Delivered in schools, libraries, or community centres rather than central campuses.
• SAIT-Endorsed Microcredentials or Badges
  Stackable toward longer-term programs or SAIT certificates.