Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about our programs.
Have a question that isn’t covered? Please feel free to contact us directly.
Who can learn at PiCCoLA?
Any adult learner (age 18 and up) residing in the Province of Nova Scotia with a valid Social Insurance Number and the ability to function in English can come and learn with us at PiCCoLA.
What if I’m not originally from Canada?
If you’re 18 years or older and have a Social Insurance Number, you’re welcome to learn with us.
We welcome all New Canadians, temporary residents, permanent residents, Canadian citizens, people on work permits, spouses of those on work permits, and Temporary Foreign Workers.
As long as you have a Social Insurance number, you’re 18 or older and you can function in an English-speaking environment, you’re welcome at PiCCoLA.
How much does it cost?
All programming at PiCCoLA is free. We are supported by the Nova Scotia School of Adult Literacy (NSSAL) and other partners, which allows us to offer these services to you for free.
When can I start class?
For our CAEC classes (which includes our Level I and II CAEC preparation classes) and Digital Skills, we accept new Learners through the school year. The school year runs from September to June.
For Bridge to Success, we accept new Learners until the end of October. This is because we will schedule certifications with learners throughout the course (First Aid, WHMIS, Food Handlers etc.) and we don’t want anybody to miss out. The work term happens toward the end of the school year. Many of our Learners get hired after this work term, but it’s not a guarantee.
What’s the process for learning with PiCCoLA?
The first thing is to call us at 902 755-5827 or email us at stacey@piccola.ca and we’ll set up a date and time for you to come and see us.
We’ll go through the registration form together and do a little assessment that helps us determine which of our programs might be best for you.
What can I do with a CAEC?
The Canadian Adult Education Credential is LIKE a high school diploma in many ways.
- It allows you to apply for any job that requires a Grade 12 or equivalent.
- It allows you to access MOST programs at NSCC directly, although there are some programs that require higher level Math or English as a pre-requisite to entry, for which a CAEC would not be accepted. However…
- CAEC allows you to qualify for academic upgrading! So if you wanted to study something that required a higher-level English or Math as a prerequisite, your CAEC could get you into an academic upgrading program.
What’s blended learning?
We realize that not all adult learners can commit to coming to class every day because of their other obligations. Our blended solution means the instructors give you some work to take home and do at your own pace.
You can still come to class when you’re available and if you need support or have questions. Your instructor will set up time with you for this purpose that works with your schedule. You do need a computer and internet to participate in the blended learning solution.
How long does it take?
To get your CAEC, requires as much time as it takes you to write and pass those 5 exams. (Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, Science.). Some have done it in a few months. We will work with you at your own pace, and we will always encourage you to keep going.
Bridge to Success is a program that runs from October to June, and you can only go through it once.
Digital skills runs alongside these programs, as we tailor it to meet the real needs of our learners and address any gaps they might have in using technology.
Where are classes held?
In New Glasgow, our classes are upstairs at 174 Archimedes St. We run CAEC classes (including CAEC preparation), Bridge to Success, and Digital Skills from there.
We also run CAEC classes and Digital Skills from our Pictou site at 21 Caladh Avenue, Pictou.
Got more questions? Call us at 902 755-5827 or email stacey@piccola.ca. Also, follow us on Facebook or on Instagram.
