Programs for Adult Learners

To register in any of our programs, you can:

If you would like to learn more about our programs, please fill out our "Adult Learner Interest" form.

*Support is available to help with costs, transportation, or technology. Contact the CALP team at the Learning Centre to find out more.

Courses:

English Conversation and Connections

Tuesdays 6.30 - 7.30 pm

English Conversation Cafe (alternate Tuesdays)
Join us every other Tuesday for a friendly, relaxed English conversation circle designed to help you build confidence in speaking English. Whether you’re just starting out or want more practice, this is a safe space to learn new vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and connect with others who are also new to Canada.  No pressure, no tests – just real conversations, supportive people and plenty of encouragement!  Come chat, learn and make new friends!

Board Game Night for Newcomers (alternate Tuesdays)
Looking for a fun, low-stress way to meet new people? Join us every other Tuesday for Board Games Night. We will play easy to learn games that are perfect for practicing English while having a good time! Laugh, compete, team up, and enjoy a friendly evening with other Newcomers in the Community. No experience needed – just bring your smile! It’s a perfect way to unwind, make new friends and feel at home!
 

Dates: January 13 – March 17

Cost: $2.00 / drop-in

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/uWZTHKeKu8

Basic Computer Bootcamp

Wednesdays 3.30 – 5.00 pm

Ready to feel more confident using a computer?

Our basic computer bootcamp is the perfect place to start.

In this friendly, hands-on class, you’ll learn essential skills like:
  • Understanding operating systems and applications
  • Using a mouse, keyboard and shortcuts
  • Creating simple documents and spreadsheets
  • Saving, moving and finding files
  • Navigating the Internet – using search engines and AI
  • Privacy, security and staying safe online
Whether you want to improve your job skills, stay connected with family or simply feel more comfortable with technology, this class will help you build the knowledge and confidence you need in a relaxed, encouraging environment where questions are always welcomed!

Bring your own laptop or use one of ours!

This class is for adults learning to use a Windows PC

Location: 4907 51 Avenue, Whitecourt

Dates: January 14 – March 4

Cost: $150.00

Lit Happens! Beginners' Book Club

Thursdays 11:00 - Noon

If you never thought you could learn to love reading and writing, then this is the Book Club for you! 

The group will choose a book to read together. We will meet once a week.

A NorQuest tutor will lead fun, relaxed "book club" style reading and writing activities.

This group is intended for people who mainly speak English, but who might have a harder time with reading and writing.


In this group: 

  • There are no mistakes 
  • There are no wrong answers 
  • Everyone is respected and supported

Location: 4907 51 Avenue, Whitecourt (across from Rainbow Restaurant)

Dates: January 15 - March 8

Cost: $50.00

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/uWZTHKeKu8

Reading and Writing for the CAEC

Thursdays 4.30 – 6.00 pm

Get ready to build the skills you need to succeed on the CAEC Reading and Writing tests!

This supportive class helps you practice reading for main ideas, understanding information, organizing your thoughts and writing strong, clear answers.  Whether you’re returning to school or reaching for a new goal, this class will boost your confidence and help you feel prepared and capable.

Location: 4907 - 51 Avenue

Dates: January 15 - March 19

Cost: $150.00

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/uWZTHKeKu8

NEW - Readers' Theatre

Wednesdays 1:00 – 2:30 pm    

Join us for a fun and supportive Reader’s Theatre class where we will bring short, easy plays to life – no acting experience needed!

This class is perfect for learners who want to build confidence in reading and speaking in a relaxed and enjoyable way. We will read out loud together and have lots of laughs along the way.

Come read, speak and shine – one short play at a time!

 

Location: 4907 - 51 Avenue

Dates: January 21 - February 25

Cost: $50.00

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/uWZTHKeKu8

Tech Talk: Smartphones and Tablets

Tuesdays 11:00 – Noon

Got questions about your phone or iPad? Want to finally understand all those buttons, apps and settings?

Join us for Tech Talk, a relaxed and welcoming class where we explore everyday tech in a fun, stress-free way. Bring your device and your curiosity.

Through hands-on practice, together we will learn how to:
  • Explore your settings for personalization and privacy
  • Manage your apps and accounts
  • Take great photos and videos
  • Stay safe in an online world
  • Understand AI and algorithms
Bring your own tablet or smartphone - Apple or Android!

You will walk away feeling more confident and in control of your tech.

 

Location: 4907 - 51 Avenue

Dates: January 27 - March 3

Cost: 100.00

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/uWZTHKeKu8

Math for CAEC / Trades Entrance (Drop-in)

Do you need a little extra support with Math?

Drop in for friendly, stress-free one-on-one tutoring to help you feel confident and master the fundamentals of math.

Whether you’re working toward your CAEC or Trades Entrance exam, we’re here to support and guide you through concepts, practice questions, and problem solving.

Come as you are, get the help you need, ask questions and build the skills to reach your goal!

Call us at 780-778-3691 to set up an appointment or stop in to talk to us about how we can support you.

 

Location: 4907 51 Avenue, Whitecourt

Dates: Open Entry

Cost: Fees may vary

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/uWZTHKeKu8

Understanding Charts, Graphs and Infographics

In this workshop we will cover:
  • Common types of tables, charts and graphs including:
    • Line or bar graphs
    • Pie charts
    • Scientific of technical diagrams
  • How to find and interpret the information in the charts, graphs and tables
  • What infographics are, and how to read them
  • Tips and tricks on how to spot misleading information in charts and graphs

Location: In person and online

Dates: January 21

Hours: 10:00 - 11:30 am

Cost: $20.00

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/uWZTHKeKu8

Persuasive Writing: Paragraphs, Essays and Emails

This workshop will help you understand and build the basic patterns used to write strong paragraphs and persuasive texts.

We will discuss:
  • tips for writing a good paragraph, essay, email or letter
  • how to write a strong opening paragraph, or "thesis statement"
  • how to organize your ideas and supporting evidence
  • how to write a strong closing or "conclusion" paragraph
  • using opinions and facts to make your argument

Location: In person and online

Dates: January 28

Hours: 10:00 - 11:30 am

Cost: $20.00

NEW Workshop - Test-Taking Strategies for CAEC Success

Do you want to get your High School Equivalency?
 
Not sure what you need to know or do to pass the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) exams?

We will focus on strategies and resources for studying, managing test anxiety and exploring the digital skills you will need to feel confident writing the CAEC exams, or other online tests. Computers will be provided.

This FREE workshop is generously supported by the Telus Friendly Future Foundation.
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Location: 4907 51 Avenue, Whitecourt

Dates: February 4

Hours: 10:00 - Noon

Cost: FREE

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/ZAndku0j4w

One-on-one Tutoring

Adult students (18 years and older) are paired with a trained tutor who can help you improve your reading, writing, math, or help you with basic computer and digital skills. Tutoring for new speakers of English (ESL/ELL) is also available.

Each tutor and student pair will work one-on-one, at their own pace, on your goals in reading, writing, math or English Language Learning.

Gain confidence, develop and strengthen your skills at your own pace, and open doors to new learning, community and employment opportunities.

New participants are always welcome!
 

To Register:

Email: calp@norquest.ca
Call: 780-778-3691
Text: 780 220-6460


*If you are interested in becoming a tutor, please see the "Become a Tutor" page for more information.
 

Location: Varies

Hours: 1 - 2 hours a week

Cost: FREE

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/xFHEE5124u

CAEC Testing Services

The Whitecourt Learning Centre is an accredited testing centre for the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) exams.

The CAEC is for adults who do not have a high school diploma and are seeking access to:

  • employment prospects
  • education pathways
  • training opportunities

There are five subject tests required to earn the full credential: reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

The exams are computer-based, administered in person at our Learning Centre in downtown Whitecourt.

Scheduling is based on our invigilators' availability.

For more information, or to schedule your CAEC exam(s), call the Centre at 780-778-3691, stop by in person, or fill out the registration form below.

Location: 4907 51 Avenue, Whitecourt

Cost: $70.00 per subject

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/FQm3xsAJFP

To register for a course call or text us at 780.220.6460, email us at calp@norquest.ca or fill out our Adult Learner Interest form.

Our Programs:

Adult Literacy (Reading, Writing, Document Use)

Want to improve your reading or writing? Need to feel more confident understanding and filling out forms?

Work one-on-one with a tutor, or join a small informal group to improve your literacy so you feel more confident to:

  • Read and understand important safety information, policies and procedures, fill out forms or take on more responsibility at work
  • Read with your kids, grandkids and other important children in your life
  • Understand and fill out forms for school, doctor’s office, or government services

Math and Numeracy

Whether you want to improve your math skills to help out with homework, manage your family budget, or you need it for work, the CALP at NorQuest can help.

We can offer classes or pair you with a tutor to build your skills and confidence with:

  • Whole numbers, addition, subtraction
  • Multiplication, and division
  • Fractions and decimals
  • And more!

English Language Learning

The Community Adult Learning Program at NorQuest can help you improve your English. Work one-on-one with a tutor, or join a small informal group to:

  • Practice your conversational English
  • Learn English for the workplace
  • Study English to help you connect with your community (school, doctor, government, volunteer opportunities…)

High School Equivalency and Trades Entrance

Work one-on-one with a tutor, or join a small informal study group or  take an online course with in-person support here in Whitecourt.

  • Go back to the basics to build your foundational math, reading and writing skills
  • Improve your study skills, time management, and gain strategies to cope with test anxiety
  • When you're ready, write your Canadian Adult Education Credential exams right here in our community.

Exam Invigilation and Testing Services

NEW! The NorQuest Community Learning Centre in Whitecourt provides exam supervision services. We are an approved testing centre for several post-secondaries, as well as for the Canadian Adult Education Credential. 
  • Canadian Adult Education Credential exams
  • Course or program placement assessments
  • Exams from other post-secondary institutions
If we are not yet an approved testing site for your program, please give us a call and we will do our best to work with your learning provider to provide a local option for your testing needs.

 

Post-Secondary Connections and Support

If you are ready to take the next step on your learning journey, we are here to support you.

Whether you are exploring a program at NorQuest College, or at any other College, University or Polytechnic, we can help you get connected to the information and resources you need. 

Whether you need a hand with the application process, need to connect with student recruiters or advisors, or just need a quiet place with reliable wi-fi to study, we're here for you.
 

See yourself here.

Through career-focused education and exceptional student services, we create opportunities for people from all walks of life that will have a lasting impact on Alberta and its people. At NorQuest, we aim higher and go further to ensure your success and that you have the skills to enhance the quality of life for you, your family, and your community.

We welcome you at any stage of learning to find your place here.

We are always looking for people who are interested in helping adult learners

Become a Tutor