Computer Skills Workshops

The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services. Five free courses offer hands-on computer skills, workplace reading and writing skills, and current job search strategies, to enhance the opportunity to find and maintain employment. Students can enroll in all five workshops (5 weeks) or take individual workshops as required, depending on needs.

 Student Testimonials Workshop Descriptions Workshop Schedule Apply

instructor showing student computer

Who can attend these workshops?

  • Work ready Albertans (18 years +) who are currently unemployed or marginally employed (20 hours or less) and require increased knowledge in computer skills, workplace reading and writing skills, or current job search strategies to enhance their opportunity to find and maintain employment.
  • Albertans to whom English is a second language, a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5.75 (with each skill area having a minimum score of 5) is required. Weekly tutoring sessions are available for participants who experience language related challenges during the workshops.
  • Employment Insurance (EI) and Income Support (IS) clients are welcome as the hours allow continuation of work search obligations.

Student Testimonials

Computer skills Workshop student Geraldine Carabin

After being out of the workforce for the last few years, this course enabled me to rebuild my confidence and skills that would make it possible for me to look for gainful employment in the future. Even though I was familiar with both Microsoft Word and Excel previously, these courses taught me a more in-depth understanding of both.

I would highly recommend these courses to anyone. The instructors were amazing! They were very knowledgeable, patient and very willing to help anyone that needed it. Not only did I enjoy going to class each and every day, I also met some wonderful classmates.

Geraldine Carabin, 2022

 

Computer Skills Workshop Student HajiraI consider myself very lucky to have been able to be a part of the computer skills workshop. This workshop not only assisted me in learning computer related skills, but also gave me a confidence boost, the chance to better my communication skills, as well as building strong and lasting connections with amazing classmates and instructors . I would recommend this workshop to anyone who needs that jump start to their employment journey or are simply just in need of a memory refresher.

Hajira, 2022

Workshop Descriptions

A requirement that a minimum of 80% of class attendance per 25 hour session is expected in order to receive a certificate of completion. NOTE: a client may participate in an entire session (5 weeks) or take individual workshops as required, depending on needs

 Computer Fundamentals - 25 Hours
In this introductory workshop, you will learn to operate the computer and its applications using Windows 10. You will learn commonly used features and functions, and master document and file management. Using Internet Explorer, you will become familiar with browsing the internet, using search engines and applying these skills to research online job opportunities. Using MS Outlook, you will create an email account and learn to use Outlook both as a communication tool and a time management tool in the workplace.
 Workplace Reading and Writing Strategies - 25 Hours
Improve your reading skills and be ready for typical workplace-related documents. You will use the Preview, Navigate, Skim, Scan, Map and Study-to-Upgrade practices to increase your workplace productivity and reduce the risk of work-related incidents.
Writing in the workplace has evolved over the years and most information is now communicated in the form of a written document, therefore the ability to communicate effectively is key. Through this workshop you will learn writing techniques to convey messages that are professional, clear, and concise for work-related correspondence.
 Introduction To Microsoft Word - 25 Hours
This workshop is designed for those who require the skills necessary to use a word processing application for document creation and use in the workplace. Using Microsoft Word, you will practice creating, modifying and formatting a variety of documents with features such as margins, page numbers, headers, footers, track revisions, tables, clip art, labels, mail merge and more.
 Introduction to Microsoft Excel - 25 Hours
Microsoft Office Excel Foundations starts at the beginning. You will learn how to work with worksheets and workbooks, to analyze data using a variety of features, and to create, modify, and format common business reports such as budgets, inventory reports, invoices, and charts.
 Computer Applications - 25 Hours
Through a practical hands-on approach you will apply your knowledge of computer applications software to utilize technology to search for jobs. You will use MS Word, your own writing skills and peer reviews to develop a professional resume and cover letter. 

 Computer Skills Workshop Schedule

Clients are not permitted to miss more than one class of the workshop, regardless of whether they have a doctor’s note. If you anticipate missing more than one workshop day, please register for the next available workshop.

Workshop Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, with a 0.5-hour lunch break. During weeks with statutory holidays, workshops will run from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, with a 0.5-hour lunch break.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, for two consecutive weekends.

Note: The schedule is tentative and subject to a minimum number of student registrations in order to operate.

Attendance Requirement:

A minimum of 80% attendance per 25-hour session (per week) is required to receive a certificate of completion.

 

 Fall 2024
 
CourseDatesDaysTimes

 Computer Fundamentals 

November 4 – 8, 2024 Monday to Friday Cancelled
Introductory MS Word November 18 – 22, 2024 Monday to Friday 8:30 AM-1:50 PM
Introductory MS Excel November 25 - 29, 2024 Monday to Friday 8:30 AM-1:50 PM
Computer Applications December 2 - 6, 2024 Monday to Friday 8:30 AM-1:50 PM
Workplace Reading & Writing Strategies December 9 – 13, 2024 Monday to Friday 8:30 AM-1:50 PM
 Winter 2025
 
CourseDatesDaysTimes
Computer Fundamentals February 24 – 28, 2025  Monday to Friday  TBD
Workplace Reading & Writing Strategies March 3 – 7, 2025  Monday to Friday  TBD
Introductory MS Word March 10 – 14, 2025  Monday to Friday  TBD
 Introductory MS Excel March 17 – 21, 2025  Monday to Friday TBD 
 Computer Applications March 24 – 28, 2025  Monday to Friday TBD 
 Spring 2025
 
CourseDatesDaysTimes
Computer Fundamentals  April 7 – 11, 2025  Monday to Friday TBD
 Workplace Reading & Writing Strategies  April 14 – 17, 2025  Monday to Friday TBD 
 Introductory MS Word  April 22 - 25, 2025  Monday to Friday TBD 
 Introductory MS Excel  April 28 - May 2, 2025  Monday to Friday TBD 
 Computer Applications  May 12 – 16, 2025  Monday to Friday  TBD

 

To Apply

If you have any questions or would like to register for the program, please reach out to us using one of the following methods:

Apply Now

A Global Access staff member will contact you to determine your eligibility for the program. Please note, the program schedule is tentative and subject to a minimum number of student registrations in order to operate.