FAQ

How old do I have to be to attend BLC?

BLC offers adult learning and literacy programming (18+ years of age).

If you are under the age of 18, please contact our classroom directly to inquire about registering.

If you are a high school student currently registered at a Manitoba high school, and would like to complete credits at BLC, please review the Manitoba Government’s Adult Learning and Literacy’s Enrolment of Under-Age Learners at Adult Learning Centres (ALCs) policy.

Does BLC offer tutoring?

We currently do not offer tutoring to anyone not registered in one of our programs. We are hoping to add tutoring services in the future.

If you still need a tutor, Brandon Friendship Center (BFC) – Adult Education currently offers free tutoring to anyone in K-12 and beyond.

For more information call the BFC at: (204) 726-1830.

What kind of high school courses does BLC offer?

Learners who have not obtained a high school diploma may be able to earn credits towards a diploma at BLC. The Province offers the following options:

Mature Student High School Diploma (MSHSD): The MSHSD is equivalent to a regular high school diploma. Learners can earn some or all of the 8 high school credits needed for their MSHSD at BLC. This option is for learners that either have some credits or no credits at the high school level.

Regular High School Diploma (Senior Years Diploma): If you have the majority of the high school credits needed to graduate with a regular (30 credit) high school diploma, BLC may be able to fill in the gaps needed for you to graduate.

Post-Grad Credits: Learners who already have graduated with a high school diploma can still earn additional high school credits at BLC. You might want post-grad credits to improve a previously earned mark in a course, as an entrance requirement to a college or university, or as an employment requirement.

For more information on MSHSD/Senior Years Diploma, visit the Government of Manitoba’s Adult Learning and Literacy page.

Can I get my GED at BLC?

Sorry, we do not offer General Education Development (GED) certification, which is now called the CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Certificate).

If you are interested in the CAEC,  please contact Assiniboine College for testing times, or visit Manitoba Advanced Education and Training on CAEC testing in Manitoba.

While we don’t offer specific CAEC programming, we do provide literacy programming that aims to improve your reading, writing, and numeracy skills, which may help you write the CAEC. We can also assess your skill level and offer you feedback about your readiness for the CAEC.

How often do I have to attend my program at BLC?

All our learners must connect with a teacher in person twice a month. Your academic progress is linked to your attendance, so please keep in touch with your teacher regularly, so we can monitor your progress.

BLC recognizes that unexpected life circumstances may interrupt our learners’ programming, and may make exceptions for those who ask.

Does BLC teach
English as a Second Language (ESL)?

Sorry, we do not currently teach English Language instruction for those who want to learn English. However, we are happy to offer a free English Conversation program!

To enroll in an education program with us, your English ability must meet the following Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels for each of our programs:

Does BLC offer English language proficiency test preparation
(e.g. IELTS, TOFEL)?

While we do not offer programming specific to these tests, we do offer the following options:

• free English Conversation programming that offers ESL learners an opportunity to practice speaking English.
• free literacy programming that aims to improve learners reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, which may benefit learners interested in taking English language proficiency testing.