Get SET: From Learning to Working
Ontario’s pre-employment and soft skills development program — coordinated across Northwestern Ontario by Literacy Northwest.
What Is Get SET?
Get SET is a free, short-term program that helps adults build the foundational skills employers actually look for: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, professionalism, and adaptability. It’s the bridge between where you are now and the job, training program, or next step you’re working toward.
Get SET is delivered locally by literacy and employment service providers across Thunder Bay, Kenora, and Rainy River districts. Literacy Northwest coordinates the program regionally — but the learning happens in your community, with people who know it.
Who It’s For
Get SET is designed for adults who are ready to enter or re-enter the workforce — from wherever they are, toward wherever they want to go. That includes:
People returning to work
After time away — caregiving, illness, layoff, or other life transitions — Get SET helps you re-engage with confidence.
Career changers
Moving into a new industry or role and want to strengthen the underlying skills employers expect across every sector.
Newcomers to Canada
Building Canadian workplace skills, professional communication, and confidence alongside your existing experience.
Young adults entering the workforce
Bridging from school, training, or first-job experience into stable, longer-term employment.
What You’ll Learn
Get SET is aligned with Canada’s Skills for Success framework — the nine foundational skills essential for work, learning, and life.
- Communication — clear, professional speaking and listening
- Collaboration — working effectively on a team
- Problem solving — thinking through challenges on the job
- Adaptability — responding to change at work
- Creativity & innovation — bringing new ideas to your role
- Reading — understanding workplace documents
- Writing — emails, reports, and workplace communication
- Numeracy — using numbers in work contexts
- Digital skills — comfort with everyday workplace technology
How It Works
- Connect — Reach out to a Get SET provider near you. They’ll talk through your goals and confirm fit.
- Plan — Together with your provider, you’ll build a learning plan focused on the skills you need most.
- Learn — Work through Get SET sessions — in person, online, or blended — at a pace that fits your life.
- Move forward — Step into a job, further training, or your next goal — with the foundational skills to succeed.
Find a Provider Near You
Get SET is delivered locally. Choose your district below to connect with a provider in your community.
Thunder Bay District
Anishnawbe Skills Development Program (Thunder Bay)
Confederation College (Thunder Bay, Geraldton, Marathon)
Centre de formation pour adultes de Greenstone (Geraldton)
Canadian Hearing Services (Thunder Bay)
Novocentre (Thunder Bay)
Kenora District
Bridges Adult Learning Centre (Dryden)
Kenamatewin Native Learning Centre (Kenora)
Lake of the Woods Adult Learning Line (Kenora)
Red Lake District Adult Learning Centre
Sioux Hudson Literacy Council (Sioux Lookout)
Rainy River District
Atikokan Adult Learning Centre
Valley Adult Learning Association (Fort Francis)
Not sure which provider is right for you? Contact Literacy Northwest and we’ll help you find the right fit.
For Employers
A skilled, work-ready workforce starts with foundational skills. Get SET prepares adults across Northwestern Ontario for entry-level and bridge roles in your industry — with the communication, teamwork, professionalism, and adaptability you actually hire for.
Looking to connect with Get SET graduates, host a workplace tour, or co-develop a training pathway? We’d like to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to participate in Get SET?
No. Get SET is fully funded by the Government of Ontario and free to eligible participants.
How long does the program take?
Every learner plan is customized to your needs and time availability.
Is Get SET available online, in person, or both?
Get SET programming is available in person, online or a combination of both.
Do I need a certain level of education to join?
No. We work with all learners regardless of their level of education.
Will Get SET help me find a job?
We work with our employment services partners to help connect our learners with employment opportunities when they are ready.
What if I’m receiving Ontario Works or ODSP?
Yes. If you are receiving Ontario Works or ODSP, you are likely eligible for Get SET and your participation will not affect your benefits. Talk to your caseworker or contact a local provider to confirm your situation.
You are likely an excellent candidate for Get SET programming.
Contact
Literacy Northwest
Mailing Address: 1116 Waterford St., Thunder Bay ON P7B 5R1
Email: admin@literacynorthwest.on.ca
Phone: 807-622-6666