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Essential Skills Upgrading (ESU)

Learn more about Essential Skills Upgrading!Click on links in the table of contents below and it will bring you down to that section or scroll down the page.

Essential Skills Upgrading Events

Select date in the calendar to view events. Use dropdown menu and keyword search to filter events for the date selected.

Today

Eligibility: Is this program right for you?

If you speak English, want to upgrade your skills and are goal-oriented, then the ESU program can help you improve your training and employment opportunities.  

  • Age 18 and up 
  • Speak English 
  • Be Ontario resident 
  • Have a valid SIN

What to expect from the program

Year-Round Classes

Our classes run from September to June, Monday through Friday, on a full-time or part-time basis. We offer daytime and/or evening classes in 19 locations across Toronto. Individuals can enroll at any point throughout the schoolyear. Our learner-centric approach means progress through the skill levels depend on each learner’s commitment and capacity.  

Workshops

We also host short-term workshops that focus on computer and digital literacy, as well as other foundational skills that prepare adults for the workplace, like Microsoft Office applications. Scroll up to our calendar for workshop dates!

Intro to Word©

✓ Set up an email address

✓ Attach files and resumes to emails

✓ Navigate toolbars, menus and windows

✓ Create documents in Microsoft Word

✓ Do a keyboard search on the internet

Intro to PowerPoint©

✓ Create presentations using MS PowerPoint

✓ Edit and format slides

✓ Use transitions and animations

✓ Apply themes

✓ Give effective presentations

Intro to Excel©

✓ Navigate Microsoft Excel

✓ Format and sort data

✓ Use charts and graphs

✓ Calculate formulas and use auto sum

✓ Create a budget

Workplace Communication Skills

✓ Using positive language in the workplace

✓ Effective “I” statements

✓ Professional emails and texts

✓ Teamwork and problem solving

✓ Feedback and workplace diplomacy

✓ Working with different personalities

Smartphones & Employment Skills

✓ Learning about your SmartPhone

✓ Learning about icons at the top of your screen

✓ How to learn about popular apps

✓ Viewing phone storage and uninstalling apps

✓ Security and privacy tips

✓ Sharing files

UP Skills for Work

✓ Accountability

✓ Collaboration

✓ Time Management

✓ Adaptability

✓ Communication

View our map of intake centres

List of locations
Location Address Phone

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