It’s common for apprentices to need extra support with academic and employability skills. An adult upgrading program can help remove barriers to learning and build skills to increase success. But how do you know when to refer? An apprentice might not tell you about their learning challenges. Here are some things to look for.

Refer to adult upgrading if the apprentice or employee

• wants to improve their reading, writing or math skills for work
• has difficulty completing training standards - maybe they’re falling behind due to difficulties with literacy or math
• has concerns or anxiety around test-taking
• needs more support to follow verbal or written instructions
• wants to build confidence with classroom learning - maybe they’ve had difficulty with
• passing their level 1 exam
• retaining information taught in the classroom
• moving up levels in their training
• adapting to new technologies used in school or at work
• wants to improve other key skills for work (i.e., communication, adaptability, problem solving, adaptability)