Learning Centre

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 and Hilgartner Learning can fill significant gaps.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Testing Centre

The Chestermere Learning and Testing Centre will be your local, secure, and community-driven solution for academic, professional, and language testing. Located inside Chestermere, the Centre will provide accessible and affordable testing services to support learners, job seekers, and professionals in achieving their goals.

What We Offer

• Secure & Quiet Testing Environment
  Purpose-built facilities that meet national testing standards for digital and paper-based assessments.
• Credentialing for a Range of Purposes
  We offer proctoring and testing services for:
  • High school equivalency (e.g., Canadian Adult Education Credential \[CAEC])
  • English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP)
  • Industry certifications (e.g., real estate, childcare, healthcare, apprenticeships)
  • Post-secondary institutions and online course providers
• Privacy & Integrity First
  We follow industry-standard protocols for ID verification, data protection, and exam security.
• Tech-Ready Testing Lab
  Equipped with high-speed internet, certified workstations, surveillance, and adaptive tools for accessibility.
• Student-Centred Discounts
  Reduced testing fees for learners registered in courses delivered by or through the CLTC.

Popular Tests Available in the Calgary Region

Here are just a few of the credentialing exams that learners in the Calgary metro area could be able to access at or through the CLTC.

Credential	Purpose	Common Test Providers
CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Credential)	High school equivalency	Alberta Advanced Education
IELTS / CELPIP	Immigration, education, work	British Council, Paragon Testing
Real Estate Licensing	Professional licensing	RECA (Real Estate Council of Alberta)
First Aid & CPR Certification	Workplace compliance	Red Cross, St. John Ambulance
Food Safety Certification	Hospitality and food services	Alberta Health-certified providers
Security Guard Licensing Exam	Occupational license	Alberta Solicitor General
Early Childhood Educator Certification	Career credential	Alberta Children’s Services
Apprenticeship Entrance Exams	Trades and apprenticeships	Apprenticeship and Industry Training
Post-Secondary Exam Proctoring	College & university students	SAIT, Bow Valley College, Athabasca University

Partner With Us

We collaborate with:

• Colleges and universities to provide regional proctoring options
• Industry associations to offer credentialing close to home
• Community organizations to improve access to employment and learning pathways

Whether you're a learner, a training provider, or an investor, the CLTC Testing Centre is your partner in building local opportunity.