Education & Training
Learning is lifelong, and in Peel Halton, there are many options to get your high school diploma or continue learning as an adult. Whether you’re upgrading skills, learning English, training for a career or enrolling in an academic program; explore your options and never stop learning!
For a searchable map of all education and training in Peel Halton, visit our Jobs Hub and click “Training Providers” and “Education- Adult” Colleges & Universities in Peel Halton
McMaster University, DeGroote School of Business
University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus
Interested in college? Would you like to know what graduates thought of their programs? Or which graduates had the highest rate of jobs? Click on the Employment Profile: Survey results from Ontario’s Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology and search by program, profession, industry or subject.
Private Colleges
To find private college programs and to be sure they’re registered and approved by the Ontario government, visit Ontario Private Career Colleges.
High School Diploma for Adults
Thousands of adults go back to school every year in Ontario to get an important piece of paper- a high school diploma. This achievement can help you get into post-secondary education, get a (better) job, and give you a sense of accomplishment. It’s never too late to get your high school diploma, and in Ontario, there are three ways you can do it.
Option 1: Get your OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma)
School boards provide opportunities for adults to return to school and complete their OSSD (just
like high school students) and/or to complete specific credit courses you might be missing to get
your diploma. Contact one of these school boards to get started.
- Peel District School Board- Adult Credit Program
- Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board- Adult Education
- Halton District School Board- Gary Allan High School
- Halton Catholic District School Board- Thomas Merton Adult & Continuing Education
Option 2: Write the GED® Test (General Educational Development)
GED® is a series of tests that gives you the opportunity to show you have high school academic
knowledge and skills without going back to school. GED® testing takes 7 hours over a two-day
period, usually a Friday evening and Saturday. Successful GED® candidates earn the Ontario
High School Equivalency Certificate.
You can prepare for the GED® test on your own by studying each of the subjects on the tests.
You can purchase these resources to prepare:
- Complete Canadian GED® Preparation Handbook
ISBN: 0774716312
- How to Prepare for the GED® Test: Canadian Edition
ISBN: 1438001800
- Or, you can attend FREE in-class or online courses to help you prepare for the tests. Click here for a list of free preparation courses.
- TVO ILC is the only organization authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Education to offer the GED® test.
- For more information, visit the GED® website.
Option 3: ACE Certificate (Academic and Career Entrance)
Colleges recognize a certificate called ACE as the same/equivalent as a high school diploma. This
certificate is accepted for admission to college and apprenticeship programs in Ontario.
ACE programs are offered at Ontario colleges.
- To find a program closest to you, visit ACE- Ontario
- You can also take the program online. Visit ACE Ontario- online
Academic Upgrading
If you need to take a single high school course or improve your overall high school marks to get into a post-secondary program, you can take an academic upgrading course for credit. It’s free programming to help you upgrade your academic skills (math, reading, writing, etc.). There are two ways to attend academic upgrading courses.
Option 1: Community Organizations
Organizations in Peel Halton offer Academic Upgrading, Literacy and Basic Skills, and GED
support programs. They offer a variety of programs to improve your reading, writing, math, and
basic work skills. All of these programs are free and can help you succeed with your academic
needs.
For a list of free programs throughout Peel Halton, click here.
Option 2: School Boards
Contact your local school board to find credit/upgrading courses.
- Peel District School Board- Adult Credit Program
- Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board- Adult Education
- Halton District School Board- Gary Allan High School
- Halton Catholic District School Board- Thomas Merton Adult & Continuing Education
For a searchable map of programs, visit our Jobs Hub and click “Literacy and Basic Skills”
English as a Second Language (ESL) for Adults
Adults new to Canada can study English or French for free. But did you know there is more you can learn than just language? Organizations offer free employment programs, business start-up, occupation-specific language training, and so much more. If you are a newcomer to Canada, take advantage of these free programs to help you get your career started in Peel Halton!
For a searchable map of programs, visit our Jobs Hub and click “Language Training” and “Settlement Agencies”
