Doorways
Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost?
All of our services are funded by Employment Ontario, so there is no cost to our students!

2. What are the hours of operation?
Classes are offered Monday to Thursday, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and on Monday/Wednesday evenings from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.We are also available to answer any questions during our business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) so feel free to contact us at 905-333-3499 ext 132 or email us at doorways@thecentre.on.ca

3. Can I attend Doorways to complete high-school credits?
No, Doorways does not offer high school credits. However, Doorways can help you prepare for writing the GED—a high school equivalency test (see below).

4. Which subjects are offered?
Doorways focuses on helping clients upgrade their math, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Our specialty is math for the skilled trades.

5. How long does it take?
There is no set timeline – students work at their own pace. You can stay in the program until you have achieved your personal, career or educational goals.

6. How many hours per week can I attend Doorways if I am receiving employment insurance (EI) benefits?
You may attend up to 9 hours per week without affecting your EI benefits. You may also apply for written permission from EI to attend up to 20 hours per week.

7. Why do I have to do an assessment before I can start classes? The initial assessment is an important step that helps us determine your current level of skill. Once we find out where your skills are right now, we can work together to create a plan to help you work towards your goals.

8. When can I write the entry assessment?
Call 905-333-3499 ext. 132 or email doorways@thecentre.on.ca to book an appointment to write your initial assessment. The initial assessment usually involves reading comprehension, math and writing, and typically takes about three hours to complete. It’s not necessary to complete all three sections in one sitting.

9. What is the class like?
The classroom environment is a drop-in type of setting where there may be several students working on different subjects and at different levels. It is a very casual setting; feel free to bring your lunch.

10. Am I too old to go back to school? Will I be in class with kids?
At Doorways we believe that everyone is a lifelong learner. Our program serves students over the age of 19.

11. When do I have to be there?
We require that our students commit to at least 6 hours of class-time per week. If you attend less than 6 hours per week, you will not see any progress. The more hours you’re in class, the faster you’ll reach your goal!

12. Can learning material be taken home to be worked on independently?
We don’t sign our learning materials out, but we do have material you can take home with you or we can photocopy any information you need from our books. We can also direct you to some online courses that may help you reach your goal more quickly!

13. Is homework assigned?
While you may be given work to do at home outside of classroom hours, it is not required that you complete it. However, completing assigned homework will help you achieve your goal.

14. How long does it take to finish the course?
Students work at their own pace and typically complete their upgrading in 4 to 6 weeks. However, the rate at which you come to class and complete your work will determine your rate of progress.

15. What do I need to buy before I come to class?
A binder, some lined paper, and a pencil would help. But don’t fret, Doorways also has some extra supplies to help get you started.

16. Can I go evenings or weekends?
We offer evening classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Doorways does not offer weekend classes.

17. What if I’ve forgotten everything about math?
Don’t worry, we will start you off at whatever level is comfortable for you, whether it’s fractions or algebra. We can also refer you to 1-on-1 training if that’s more suitable to your needs.

18. What about computer training?
Doorways offers computer-basics training as needed. We also have a computer lab that you can use during class to get acquainted with computer basics or to become more familiar with some certain programs you might use in the workplace. You can also use our computers to complete online training.

19. What if I don’t live in Burlington? Can I still get upgrading?
If it is more convenient for you to receive upgrading closer to your home we can help you get in touch with adult upgrading programs in your area.

20. Can you tell me more about the skilled trades programs at The Centre?
Visit our Trades Department at: www.thecentre.on.ca/SkilledTrades/programs.asp; or call them at 905-333-3499 ext. 121 for more information. Register to attend an Information Session to get a tour of our shops!

21. I need to rewrite an assessment to enter a skilled trades program at The Centre. What steps do I need to take?
Please call us at (905) 333-3499 ext. 132 or email doorways@thecentre.on.ca to arrange an appointment for upgrading and/or a rewrite.

22. Is Doorways just for skilled trades people?
No, it’s not. Doorways also provides services to those interested in preparing for the GED examination, mature students testing for college, and also to clients who wish to upgrade their math and communication skills so they can enter or re-enter the workforce.

23. What is the GED?
GED stands for “General Educational Development.” GED Testing is for adults who left high school without a diploma. People who take and pass the GED examination earn an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate. This is different from your High School Diploma (a diploma can only be obtained by earning all of your high school credits). For more information about the GED visit the Independent Learning Centre (ILC) website: www.ilc.org.

24. How do I get my GED?
To get your GED you must write and pass a test composed of 5 different subjects: Language Arts (Reading), Language Arts (Writing), Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics.

25. Can I write the GED at The Centre?
No. The GED is administered by the Independent Learning Centre (ILC). You can find registration forms, testing sites and dates, and all the information regarding GED at www.ilc.org.

26. How old do I have to be to write the GED?
To write the GED Tests, you must: a) be at least 18 years of age, b) have been out of school for at least one full year, c) not have graduated from high school, and d) be a resident of Ontario.

27. Will the GED be good enough to get into college?
Maybe; it depends on the college and program you are applying for. Check with the school’s admissions department to confirm that the GED is an acceptable pre-requisite for your program of choice.

28. How do I get my high school diploma?
Locally, you may complete your Ontario High School Diploma (OSSD) by earning high school credits through Gary Allan High School (garyallan.ca) or completing independent study credits via www.ilc.org.

29. How do I qualify for maturity credits?
Maturity credits are obtained by contacting the principal of the high school you last attended full-time. It is at their discretion how many credits you will be granted; there are limitations.

30. What is PLAR?
PLAR stands for “Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.” PLAR is a system that allows you to challenge high school courses that you need credit in and earn those credits without actually taking the course. For information on PLAR visit the following link: www.ilc.org/school/courses/dip_reqs_prior.php

31. Can you help me find a job?
Doorways is primarily an adult upgrading program that helps clients improve their academic skills to prepare them for employment or further education. However, The Centre offers free access to Employment Resource Centres that provide clients with all the resources they need to find work. Please visit www.thecentre.on.ca/CareerServices/ERCs.asp for further information and to find a location nearest you.

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