Dixon Hall believes in a learner-centred approach – it is the learner who decides how and what they learn. Our trained instructors work with learners in a small group to help them find the best way to learn. We will give you an assessment to see what you already know and work with you to develop a learning plan, create lesson plans and learning activities to suit your interests and goals.

This training caters to learners whose educational level is below grade 12 and wish to upgrade their basic literacy and numeracy skills to transition to gaining independence,  pursuing further education or attaining entry level employment opportunities.

Some of our Literacy and Basic Skills learners are upgrading their skills to:

• Prepare for the G1 Drivers’ Test - We assist learners with reading and comprehension of the Ontario Drivers Handbook using interactive activities and quizzes

• Prepare for the Citizenship Test - We assist learners with reading and comprehension of the Discover Canada Handbook using interactive activities and quizzes

• Improve their writing skills for everyday use or prepare to attend adult high school - Work on grammar, punctuation, vocabulary building and spelling skills

• Improve their reading skills for everyday use or prepare to attend adult high school - Work on comprehension, vocabulary, and pronunciation skills

• Prepare for the Mature Entrance English Assessment for College - Work on Paragraphing skills, Verbal Reasoning, Vocabulary Building, and Essay Writing Skills

• Develop or refresh their basic Mathematics Skills for everyday use or prepare to attend adult high school - Solve Practical Problems working with Whole numbers, Decimals, Fractions, Percentages

Most activities these days require computer skills. Some of the activities that require computer skills include applying for government services, paying your bills, registering for recreational or community programs, applying for jobs and completing job training.  This course/training  will help you develop the basic computer skills that you will need to do these tasks.

Even if you have never touched a computer before, learn the basics of:

• Computer Hardware: Mouse, keyboard, CPU

• Internet Basics

• Creating and logging in to user account

• Creating, sending and receiving Email

• Conducting a basic online search

• Creating and saving documents in Microsoft Word

• Uploading and downloading documents 

All post-secondary training requires students to use computer skills as a part of their training. Also, many jobs are posted online and require job seekers to apply by email, or online submission.  Dixon Hall Literacy & Basic Skills is offering computer training and certification in partnership with Northstar Digital Literacy, to help learners master the required skills for these  tasks and other everyday computer use.   

This training will cover:

• Basic Computer Skills

• Internet Basics

• Windows 10

• Emailing

• Microsoft Word

• Microsoft Excel

• Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Food Safety & Workplace Communication - Preparation for the Food Handlers Certificate

The Food Services and Food Retail  sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in Canada and the industry is facing a serious shortfall in their workforce.  In Toronto, the Hospitality & Tourism industry (made up of accommodation, food and beverage services, recreation & entertainment, transportation and travel services) continues to grow and the need for employees is increasing.  The diverse nature of the jobs available makes the industry the perfect match for anyone just entering the job market, newcomers to the country, or experienced workers looking for a new challenge in an industry that often recognizes and utilizes skills gained from other career paths.

Who needs a Food Handler's Certificate? 

If you wish to work in any of the following jobs your employer may ask for a Food Handler’s Certificate:

• dietary aide 

• food service operation eg. restaurant

• food retail operation eg. grocery store

• day care

• seniors home 

• group home

• lunchroom supervisor

• personal support worker 

This training will prepare you to write the examination for the Food Handlers’ Certificate.  

In this training you will learn about:

• Ensuring proper personal hygiene

• Cleaning and sanitizing

• Purchasing receiving and storing food

• Keeping food at the right temperature

• Preparing, cooking and serving food

• Food allergies management and control

• Communication in the food retail and food services industry

Smart Serve Training - Preparation for the Smart Serve Certificate

The Smart Serve Responsible Alcohol Beverage Sales & Service Training Program is approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) as the only responsible alcohol training program for Ontario. Smart Serve is a dedicated advocate for a safer and healthier Ontario. 

Who Needs This Training:

Anyone who sells, serves, delivers, or handles alcohol in Ontario, must complete the Smart Serve certification.

In this training you will learn about:

• Impact of alcohol

• Types of licences

• Legal rights

• Responsibilities 

• Civil & Criminal Liabilities

• How alcohol works in the body

• Signs of intoxication

• Prevention techniques

• Intervention techniques

• Forms of Identification

Do you have a story to tell?  We want to hear from you! 

Dixon Hall's Creative Writing & Communication Training encourages and supports your personal expression in a small group informal writing circle.  Our training is designed for individuals to give voice to their thoughts and ideas.  We encourage participants to write with others in an atmosphere of dignity and respect and to discover the value of their own stories.  All participants are encouraged to give and receive feedback in a non-judgmental space. 

This training is not for academic purposes.  The writing activities are designed for participants who just want to express themselves using the written word.  Free expression in any form is encouraged. There will be no correction of error and no grades will be assigned.  Feedback will be given orally only. The main goal of the training is to encourage writing for creative expression. 

Explore your creative talent!  No experience necessary!