Getting started

Take the first step in advancing your career. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an adult learner looking at getting your high school equivalency, or just interested in adding to your skill set, there are programs available to point you in the right direction – Forward North.

Getting Your High School Equivalency

The first step is to complete high school. If you're in high school now, stay in school and get your diploma. If you didn't complete high school, and are working or have family or other responsibilities that make it hard to go back to school full time, you can still get what's called 'high school equivalency.'

Many adults (persons 19 years of age or older) have earned Senior Years equivalency diplomas based on performance on the General Educational Development (GED) Tests. In Manitoba, GED Tests are available in English and Français.

Since the GED Tests were introduced in Manitoba, over 43,000 adults have achieved GED diplomas.

GED diplomas are recognized by most employers and some community colleges and universities. They may be accepted for employment, apprenticeship admission, and other training programs.

Note: The GED Diploma is not a Senior Years diploma; rather, it certifies that the holder has a general educational background relative to that of the average Senior Years graduate. You can find out more about the GED Diploma at this web site link: http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/ael/all/ged/ged_home.html

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

Have you recently come to Manitoba from another country, and would like some help in improving your written and spoken English? You can find out more by following these links:

Interlake Adult Learning Association
Thompson Citizenship Council
Westman Immigr ant Services

Once you've got your high school diploma or GED diploma,
you're ready to start training for the job you want!

University College of the North (UCN) offers a wide range of over 30 trade, technologyand college preparation programs. UCN has two main campuses in The Pas and Thompson, as well as regional centres inOxford House, Easterville, Churchill, Flin Flon, Pukatawagan, Grand Rapids, Nelson House, Norway House, Cross Lake, St. Theresa Point, Swan River and Split Lake. Depending on what you're interested in, you may find that some or even all of your program is offered in your community or a community nearby.

For more information visit UCN's web site www.ucn.ca, or contact UCN as follows:

The Pas Campus
(204) 627-8500
(866) 627-8500 (Toll Free)

Mailing Address: University College of the North
Box 3000
The Pas, MB R9A 1M7

Street Address: University College of the North
436 7^th Street East
The Pas, MB

Thompson Campus
(204) 677-6450
(866) 677-6450 (Toll Free)

Mailing and street address: University College of the North
504 Princeton Drive
Thompson, MB R8A 0N5

This Government of Manitoba website link http://www.gov.mb.ca/findingwork/index.html has lots of great information about job preparation (including how to prepare a resume, and preparing for an interview), finding work, career exploration, funding, employment skills and the labour market.