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Life and Employment Skills for Independence Certificate

Designed for individuals with developmental disabilities, this program offers inclusive education emphasizing self-improvement, independent living skills and job preparedness. Join us to achieve your goals and lead a fulfilling life.
Next Start date:
Certificate
12 Months
 Full-Time On Campus
How to Apply

Build Skills. Gain Independence.

The Life and Employment Skills for Independence (LESI) certificate is a non-credit program developed to support learners with developmental disabilities in obtaining employment and establishing and maintaining independence. Learners will participate in classroom instruction and experiential learning opportunities, including work experience.  

The LESI program has three terms:

  • Social Skills and Personal Development,

  • Independent Living Skills, and

  • Employment Readiness.

Learners will also earn ProServe, First Aid and WHIMS certifications to gain practical skills while increasing their employability.

The emphasis of this program is to provide an inclusive approach to support learners in career discovery, employment readiness, work-integrated learning and exploration of post-secondary training.

Program Content

Course Descriptions

Introduction to Health & Wellness | LESI – 8000

Focus on healthy living, including relationship building, healthy eating and exercise practices. Identify support services provided by local community agencies and government.  

Introduction to Life Skills | LESI – 8001

Increase self-awareness about feelings, thoughts and actions. Develop strategies to manage and communicate emotions with others. Explore different ways to minimize and manage stress through self-care, natural support, goal setting and self-advocacy. 

Healthy Relationships & Interpersonal Communication | LESI – 8002

Develop strategies for effective communication with others in personal and workplace relationships. Examine non-verbal communication, conversation skills, conflict resolution, and assertiveness.  

Study Skills for Success | LESI – 8003

Apply strategies for learning to promote success, including effective listening, comprehension and note-taking. Explore personal learning styles and the behaviours necessary for academic success. 

Volunteer Experience | LESI – 8004

Gain practical experience through a work experience opportunity in a setting suited to individual interests and abilities.

Living Independently | LESI – 8005

Gain practical experience to apply knowledge and skills to prepare for independent living. Learn how to search for suitable housing, prepare meals, manage home responsibilities and enhance personal safety skills. 

Introduction to Technical Proficiency & Digital Literacy | LESI – 8006

Gain experience using Microsoft programs, including Word and Outlook. Create basic documents, including a resume and cover letter. Use email, the internet/world wide web and social media safely.  

Financial Literacy & Numeracy | LESI – 8007

Explore financial and consumer strategies to manage personal banking, including creating monthly budgets, understanding bank statements and strategies for financial decision-making. 

Community Involvement & Social Life | LESI – 8008

Employ skills to identify and access services provided by local community agencies and facilities. Research and attend social events of interest to develop social skills. Understand leisure and social interactions as an integral part of self-care. 

Career Discovery & Employment Preparation | LESI – 8009

Explore employment opportunities through local events, speakers and assessments. Discuss principles of conduct that would be expected within the workplace.  

Work Experience I | LESI – 8010

Complete a work experience opportunity in an employment setting suited to individual interests and abilities. 

Math Skills for the Workplace | LESI – 8011

Develop mathematical skills for the workplace, including how to count money and give change, measurement techniques, problem-solving and basic math computing. 

Leadership & Self-Advocacy | LESI – 8012

Develop the tools to make decisions, understand legal rights and advocate for personal needs to be successful in work and social environments. 

Workplace Standards & Employment Readiness Simulation | LESI – 8013

Become familiar with workplace standards, complete a job search, submit a resume or application, and complete the interview process. 

Post-Secondary Level Course | LESI – 8014 

Audit a post-secondary level course to become immersed in post-secondary life. The course will practice study, social and leadership skills in an academic environment. 

Work Experience II | LESI – 8015

Complete a work-experience opportunity in an employment setting suited to individual interests and abilities.  

Intakes

Fall 2025
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:

Admission Requirements

Learners must be 18 or older. They must provide a completed application package, psychological/natural support assessment, two letters of reference from a teacher or employer and a copy of their High School transcripts.

Program Cost

Domestic Students
Total Program Cost
$15,690.00

Foundational Learning Assistance for LESI Students

Foundational Learning Assistance offers grant funding to adult learners enrolled in Red Deer Polytechnic's Life and Employment Skills for Independence (LESI) program.

Basic Funding Eligibility: 

  • You must have an Alberta address 
  • You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or refugee 
  • You must be 18+ years old
  • You must be unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week. If you are employed more than 20 hours per week, Counsel To Leave Employment approval may be required.

How do I access this funding?

  • Request and submit an application package for the Life and Employment Skills for Independence (LESI) program by contacting Continuing Education & Corporate Training or call 403.356.4900
  • Once you are accepted, with an RDP acceptance letter, you will receive an email from Foundational Skills & Learning with a link to access your funding application.
    • Note! Check your spam, junk and promotion folders so you don't miss this message.
  • Before completing the FLA application, you will need have:
    • a verified Alberta.ca Account.
    • your Alberta.ca Account login information
      • keep this information private, but ensure you know your username and password and can log in during your appointment
    • your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
    • your Alberta Student Number (ASN)

Monitor your mail and email for important follow-up information, and stay in touch with the RDP Student Connect Centre with any questions.

Program Content

In the Life and Employment Skills for Independence (LESI) Certificate program, learners will take part in 16 courses.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, learners will need a 50% in theory courses and a grade of Satisfactory in work-integrated learning courses.

Continuation Education and Corporate Training

Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.

Learn More