Literacy and Basic Skills


The Literacy and Basic Skills Program provides free training in reading and writing, math, and basic work skills. It can help you reach your goals for:

  • Upgrading your education or training
  • Getting a job
  • Becoming more independent.

How does it work?

Literacy and Basic Skills training is free. It is designed for people whose reading, writing, math and essential skills are below the Grade 9 level.

The program helps people identify their goals, and decide on a training plan to reach them.

The training is offered in many places including school boards, community agencies and Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology. It may be offered by tutors, who work one-on-one, or in small groups or classrooms.

In many communities, training is available for many different kinds of learners, including:

  • Learners who want to prepare for more education or training
  • Deaf learners
  • Aboriginal learners.
  • Francophone learners
  • Newcomers

If you are not sure where to begin looking for ESL classes that meet your needs, you can first go to the Language Assessment Centre in your community.

Who is it for?

You may qualify for this program if you:

  • Are unemployed
  • Are out of school
  • Do not have the reading and writing skills to get a job and cope with daily living.

Where can I learn more?

Talk to an Employment Ontario counsellor in your community and find out if this program is right for you. You can use the map feature on this website to find this service in your area.