ADULT BASIC EDUCATION

Essential Skills for the Workplace

Program Description

The Essential Skills for the Workplace program (ESWP) is a non-credit program that helps adults develop foundational literacy, life and workplace skills.

The intent of the ESWP program is to:

  • Work together to make positive life changes beyond the classroom;
  • Focus learners to upgrade their skills;
  • Provide Work Essential Skills training; and
  • Assist students in planning for their future.

*SIIT does not currently offer upgrading.

Admission Requirements

Z

Academic Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years old and out of school for one year and unemployed
  • Assessed through ABE intake process

Acceptance Policy

SIIT provides preferential admission to applicants who are of First Nation’s ancestry; however, SIIT programs are open to everyone, and all application will be considered. SIIT relies on section 56 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 to provide preference to applicants who are of First Nations’ ancestry.

Permanent Resident Applicant Information

SIIT is not currently legislated to accept International Students. You must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply.
For Permanent Resident applications we will request the following documentation:

  • Copy of Permanent Resident Card
  • International Qualifications Assessment (IQAS) International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) | Alberta.ca Your high school/secondary education credentials must be assessed through this service.
  • Canadian Language Benchmark – English Assessment of CLB 7. We will accept either International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic or Canadian English Language Proficiency Program (CELPIP) – General.

Courses

Code Course Title
NUM 001 Numeracy
COMM 001 Communications
WPES 001 Workplace Essential Skills
INDEV 001 Interpersonal and Personal Development

Tuition, Fees, and Funding

Tuition and Fees

There is no cost to attend Adult Basic Education programs at SIIT. Once accepted, program staff will help you to secure Education and Training Incentive (ETI).

Additional Fees: U-Pass for Saskatoon and Regina Transit Bus Passes

U-PASS
$286.00 per year - Saskatoon
$246.00 per year - Regina
The U-Pass is a City Transit bus pass for students that allow you to save on transportation costs. The U-Pass fee is provided at a reduced cost compared to a standard monthly City Transit pass and is mandatory for most SIIT students in Saskatoon and Regina. You may use the U-Pass as many times as you would like during the academic term. Students who meet certain requirements can opt-out of the U-Pass. Please contact the Admissions department for more information.
Please note: U-Pass fees are subject to change.

Funding

Depending on your status, different forms of financial assistance are available to you. Please click here to explore options for funding. If you require assistance finding funding, please contact supportservices@siit.ca.

What to Expect

Length of Program

The length of Essential Skills for the Workplace is a minimum of twelve weeks, including a 60-hour work placement.

Delivery Method

This program will consist of instructor-led classes which will encompass the theory of each course, and will include lectures, discussions, assignments, in-class review topics, and hands-on experience.

Academic Policy

Students attending must adhere to SIIT Academic & Student policies, which are available on the mySIIT dashboard on the SIIT website.

Attendance Policy

  • Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Each program has specific attendance requirements that must be adhered to in order to graduate. In order to graduate from this program, an attendance rate of 90% or better is required.
  • If you have been approved for funding, you must maintain the attendance required by your sponsoring agency to remain eligible to receive payment.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated according to successful completion of all program components. SIIT attendance policy and procedures will apply.

Graduation Requirements and Credential

Students who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities & Salaries

Completing the Essential Skills for the Workplace program at SIIT will prepare you to pursue employment.

Further Education

Students who have completed the Essential Skills for the Workplace program have the opportunity to continue their education by applying for SIIT’s Adult 10 program.

Fall 2026 - Essential Skills for the Workplace - Meadow Lake

Program Length: 4 Months
Start Date: 08/31/2026
Division: Adult Basic Education
Campus: Other
Location: Meadow Lake - Essential Skills for the Workplace
Apply Now


Fall 2026 - Essential Skills for the Workplace - Saskatoon

Program Length: 4 Months
Start Date: 08/31/2026
Division: Adult Basic Education
Campus: Saskatoon
Location: Saskatoon - Essential Skills for the Workplace
Apply Now


Adult Basic Education, Trades and Industrial, and Post-Secondary Programs

More than 30 Academic and Quick Skills programs

SIIT is a First Nation Governed, credit granting post-secondary institution

More than 1000 employers work with SIIT JobConnections every year

Established in 1976

90% Indigenous student body

Over $350,000 in Awards are available to SIIT students every year

9 JobConnections Centres province wide connect job seekers to employment opportunities

SIIT offers a wide range of Student Services and Cultural Supports

Programs are offered at 3 campuses and over 35 community learning sites per year

Students from more than 70 First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and Non Indigenous communities attend SIIT

JobSeries provides foundational, in-community pre-employment training

More than 65% of SIIT Staff and Faculty are Indigenous

JobConnections mobile career services are available for rural communities

More than 60,000 Alumni

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies

Head Office
Suite 100-103A Packham Avenue
Asimakaniseekan Askiy Reserve
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4K4
306-244-4444