CERTIFICATE
FOUR WINDS
DIGITAL SKILLS AND ACADEMIC UPGRADING CERTIFICATE
Improve your digital skills and academic competencies to gain employment or pursue higher education.
The 20-week Digital Skills for Success and Academic Upgrading program is focused on capacity-building and the five foundational skills essential to entering and succeeding in the workforce. The program also includes Basic Academic upgrading in English, Math, and an Introduction to Indigenous Studies. Students are supported in developing and expanding their competencies across a range of general skills. With access to Yellowhead Tribal College’s full range of student services, students conclude the four-month on onsite program with a four-week work placement.
PROGRAM DETAILS
This program is well-suited to anyone who has a low level of literacy. Although it builds on a foundation of Indigenous culture, it is inclusive and available to applicants from all backgrounds, including First Nations, Inuit, Métis, youth (19-30 years), adults (31-49 years), older workers (50+ years), and people with disabilities.
The project is designed to assist unemployed and marginalized Indigenous and non-Indigenous Albertans to develop basic skills to obtain employment or further training.
This program will help support targeted learners who are struggling with the development of these essential skills by helping them find and nurture the confidence required to achieve success and by scaffolding the essential skills and academic competencies throughout the length of the program, concluding with the students connecting with potential employers through a work placement.
SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Indigenous Identity
Digital Technology and Computer Literacy
Document Use
Oral Communication
Continuous Learning
ACADEMIC UPGRADING
Reading and Writing English
Basic Math
Introduction to Indigenous Studies
WORK PLACEMENT
Students gain vital experience by contributing to regular work activities, adapting to change, learning from co-workers and supervisors, and taking part in mandatory and unique training opportunities.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
There are no minimum academic requirements for this program. Applicants are required to complete or provide:
Yellowhead Tribal College General Application
Interview with the Department Head
Most recent transcripts and have access to a verified My Alberta Digital ID (MADI)
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Winter Term:
Deadline to Apply: November 30
Start Date: January
Department Head
Valentyna Kennedy
Department Head of Foundations
valentyna.kennedy@ytced.ca
(780) 484-0303 Ext. 6153
Program Assistant
Cher Anderson
cher.anderson@ytced.ca
(780) 484-0303 Ext. 514
OUTCOMES
This program supports targeted learners by helping them find and nurture the confidence required to achieve success, by scaffolding the essential skills and academic competencies, and by connecting students with potential employers through a work placement.
EDUCATION PATHWAY
This program provides a pathway for learners to develop foundational skills and academic competencies, preparing them for future employment or further education.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The program has three components:
Essential Skills Component (8 weeks) with 5 Modules;
Academic Upgrading Component (8 weeks): Reading and Writing English, Basic Math, Introduction to Indigenous Studies;
Applied Skills Development (4-week Work Placement).
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
The program collaborates with various external organizations, including the Red Road Healing Society and Nurture: Grow Women Leaders, both based within the Orange Hub. These partnerships provide students with relevant training and real-world experience, helping them build the confidence needed to enter the workforce. By engaging in regular work activities, adapting to change, and learning from both co-workers and supervisors, students gain valuable skills.