Brock Councillors hear push for expanded adult education in North Durham

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Expanding adult education opportunities in North Durham took centre stage, at a recent Brock council meeting, as local officials learned about a program aimed at helping residents build skills and access new career pathways.

During the Monday, March 23rd meeting, council received a presentation, from, Learning Network of Durham Region representative, Jennine Agnew-Kata on the Ontario Get SET (Skills, Training, Education) program, an initiative designed to support adults in developing essential workplace and life skills.

“The Get SET program helps adults in Ontario develop communication, numeracy, interpersonal and digital skills to achieve their goals,” Ms. Agnew-Kata told council. “For many learners, those goals include: employment, postsecondary education, apprenticeships, or greater independence.”

Ms. Agnew-Kata’s presentation highlighted a longstanding gap in adult upgrading services across North Durham, including Brock Township. While several adult education options exist in southern parts of the region, communities in the north have had limited access.

“Low-level upgrading programming has been a gap in North Durham, for 17 years,” she explained, noting, previous programming in Uxbridge is no longer in place and consistent funding has yet to be secured for a new northern program.

The Get SET program, funded through Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, is now being explored as a way to fill that gap. The Learning Network has been working since 2022, to establish a local delivery model, though funding remains a key hurdle.

Partnerships are already forming to support the initiative, including collaborations with organizations, such as: Blue Door, Brock Community Health Centre, Brock Township Library, Community Living North Durham, Durham College employment services in Beaverton, the John Howard Society, and The Nourish and Develop Foundation.

“We’ve secured tentative locations for training delivery, with the first site expected to be at Blue Door,” said Ms. Agnew-Kata. “We’re continuing to work with partners and residents to refine programming and respond to local needs.”

She also shared success stories from the program, including a graduate who secured long-term employment, at Costco, and later purchased a car and condominium, and another who found work as a recycling truck driver in Toronto.

“These are examples of how upgrading skills can truly change lives,” she said.

Members of council voiced support for the initiative and the need to expand access to adult education, locally.

Mayor Mike Jubb said, the presentation underscored a critical service gap in the community. “This is exactly the kind of program we need to see in Brock,” he said. “There are residents here who want to improve their skills and employment opportunities, but they need access close to home.”

Regional Councillor, Cria Pettingill echoed that sentiment, pointing to the importance of partnerships to make the program successful. “The collaboration you’ve built with community organizations is really encouraging,” she said. “Programs like this can make a real difference for individuals and families across North Durham.”

Through a resolution, moved by Councillor Frank and seconded by Regional Councillor Pettingill, council voted to receive the presentation.

Ms. Agnew-Kata encouraged municipal leaders to play a role in advancing the program.

“Decision-makers and community leaders can support us through advocacy, helping secure funding, and sharing feedback on local learning needs and challenges,” she said.

Efforts will now focus on securing provincial funding, expanding partnerships, and exploring flexible delivery options, including supported online learning, to ensure the program can reach residents across Brock Township and the broader North Durham area.