MEDIA RELEASE - November 17, 2023
Peel Adult Learning Centre Celebrates Digital Training and Technology Acquisition
Brampton, ON – On Friday, the Peel Adult Learning Centre (PALC) met with local MPP Graham McGregor to showcase the impact of a $77,700 Capital Grant they received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in November 2022.
“Re-entry into the learning environment is tough, and with more than half of Brampton residents being caretakers, newcomers, and seniors, it can be even tougher for our community,” said Graham McGregor, MPP for Brampton North. “I’m happy to know that those at Peel Adult Learning Centre recognize this and with the $77,700 contribution, Ontario Trillium Foundation is demonstrating that they do too.”
As a result of the OTF Capital Grant, PALC was able to update and expand its digital equipment and widen its service coverage to introduce mobile classrooms in both community and workplace programs in need. It was also able to better serve its in-house learners in both the academic upgrading and employment based WorkReady program streams.
First, PALC was able to update its digital equipment by providing new learner laptops for use in class, giving students hands-on and in-demand digital skills to achieve better employment outcomes. These laptops have helped support learners earn digital certifications to secure an edge in a highly competitive employment market and have helped learners navigate applications for apprenticeship training and postsecondary applications. PALC also expanded its point-of-sale hardware and licensing and updated its CRM management system to provide simulated training to its Customer Service Readiness learners. Finally, PALC was able to upgrade staff teaching materials in the purchase of laptops, projectors, whiteboard pens, etc. to diversify instructional methods and ensure that all learning styles are accommodated.
In April 2023, PALC was also able to deliver a Computer Basics course to employees at Brita Canada to support workers in the workplace to feel confident using workplace technology platforms and partnered with Caledon Community Services to offer a four-week Computer Basics skills training program in Bolton/Caledon to help learners prepare for employment and gain the necessary digital skills need to effectively search for employment.
“This grant has the capacity to impact hundreds of learners each year,” said Christine Airlie, Executive Director of the Peel Adult Learning Centre. “The funding we received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation enabled us to update our digital technology equipment, enhance our learning platforms, and create mobile classrooms to better serve our community. Our clients can expect to acquire skills in a rich, digital learning environment.”
Our mission at Peel Adult Learning Centre (PALC) is to transform lives and empower our diverse community through accessible and inclusive education. With over 30 years of dedicated service, we deliver high-quality programs offering literacy and academic upgrading and related training needed to prepare adults to access employment, college, or apprenticeship training. We firmly believe that education is a transformative force, and we are proud to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of individuals and the broader community in the Region of Peel. PALC offers various programs, including GED preparation, CollegeReady for Mature Student Test preparation, ApprenticeshipReady, and WorkReady courses that focus on digital and employability skills training. PALC’s two locations host both full-time and part-time classes year-round and collaborate with community agencies to offer additional support and services to help learners achieve their end goals. As such, our services extend beyond education to offer immediate educational counseling, mentorship, and access to community resources for vulnerable populations, ensuring that learners can access help promptly and more frequently.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. More than $2.6 billion has been invested into 28,000+ grants to improve the social and economic fabric of Ontario. Visit otf.ca to learn more.