RDP offers Life and Employment Skills for Independence Program

Red Deer Polytechnic has launched a new Life and Employment Skills for Independence (LESI) certificate to support learners with developmental disabilities.

This one-year, non-credit program will help learners acquire the competencies to obtain and maintain employment and independence through classroom instruction, experiential learning opportunities, and work experiences in a supportive environment.

“We engaged in several stakeholder consultations and sat on various provincial committees with other post-secondary institutions to strategically plan the LESI certificate program to best serve the needs of learners and communities,” says Kim Hogarth, Dean of Extended Education. “With a range of valuable course offerings and relevant work-place experiences, this program has a more inclusive approach to provide enhanced support and training for students while also helping to build their confidence.” 

The LESI certificate program has three terms which focus on Social Skills and Personal Development, Independent Living Skills, and Employment Readiness. The certificate is comprised of 16 courses, including Financial Literacy and Numeracy, Healthy Relationships and Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Technical Proficiency and Digital Literacy, and Leadership and Self-Advocacy. 

“Students will take their theory classes at Red Deer Polytechnic from Monday to Thursday, so they can experience a collaborative post-secondary environment. Each learner will work with the Polytechnic’s dedicated instructors to identify and set achievable goals for independence and employment, along with the opportunity to explore further options for higher education,” adds Hogarth. “Learners will have the opportunity to immerse themselves further in campus life and gain skills for independence by staying in the Polytechnic’s Residence for five days.”

Students will have the opportunity to earn First Aid, ProServe, and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certification to increase their skills and employability. 

Eligible students must be at least 18 years old, have successfully completed high school and meet the criteria for Persons with Developmental Disabilities.

Registration for the LESI certificate is now open for January 2023 and September 2023.