St. Albert Learning Centre is making waves in the community with its innovative Cleaner Program, designed to enhance education and employment prospects for adults underrepresented in the workforce. Rooted in Catholic values, the Centre's mission is to nurture the holistic development of students, fostering faith, compassion, respect, and integrity.
The Cleaner Program is a six-week course tailored to meet the unique needs of each learner. Students can spend up to four weeks in the classroom acquiring necessary skills before beginning their co-op placements. Additionally, students earn a secondary co-op credit, which can be the first step towards earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Earning an OSSD is crucial as it opens doors to better job opportunities, higher wages, and further educational prospects, significantly enhancing career and personal growth.
With a cap on student enrollment, the program ensures intensive support and effective learning outcomes. For a nominal $50 activity fee, participants receive supplies, materials, daily bus tickets, safety work shoes, criminal record checks, and all necessary training certificates. Each day starts with classroom instruction focused on essential skills, literacy, and numeracy related to custodial work, followed by practical hands-on training sessions, guest speakers, and workshops on safety and workplace protocols.
The Cleaner Program boasts a 100 per cent completion rate and has been particularly impactful for marginalized groups, with 40 per cent of students identifying as having a disability. Additionally, 40 per cent of the participants were refugees or newcomers, who also benefited from the program."
The program has positively impacted numerous lives, including those of Joey, Adeyemi, and Oluwatoyin.
Joey, a 30-year-old student born with Williams Syndrome, a developmental disorder, embarked on this educational journey after spending three years at home due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. His goal was to acquire tangible job skills. His success with the Cleaner Program not only changed his personal journey as he is now working towards earning his OSSD, but Joey's radiant smile and positive attitude significantly impacted the school community, promoting a culture of belief in oneself and others. Joey's mantra, "Believe in yourself," has become an inspiration to the entire school community.
Adeyemi and Oluwatoyin, a young refugee couple, further exemplify the life-changing impact of the program. After arriving in Canada in November 2023, they completed the Cleaner Program and, within three months, earned their OSSD. They celebrated being double graduates at the June graduation ceremony and were subsequently hired as cleaners by a local school board.
Reflecting on their journey, Adeyemi and Oluwatoyin shared, "We want to use this opportunity to say a big 'THANK YOU' to the principal and all the amazing instructors and teachers at St. Albert. We really appreciate your assistance, encouragement, love, and care, towards our success story in Sudbury. We will keep soaring high and make the school proud of us. God bless you all."
St. Albert Learning Centre is incredibly proud of Joey, Adeyemi, and Oluwatoyin’s journeys and the significant impact the Cleaner Program continues to make in providing comprehensive support, fostering inclusivity, and offering transformative opportunities. The program enables students to overcome significant barriers, achieve personal and academic goals, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The next session of the Cleaner Program begins on October 28, 2024. Service providers are asked to call 705-673-3031 for more information and interested individuals are encouraged to register in person at St. Albert Learning Centre.
With limited enrollment, don't miss this opportunity to transform your future with St. Albert Learning Centre's Cleaner Program!