High school transcripts are available from Saskatchewan Learning. Upon request, transcripts can be forwarded directly to post-secondary institutions. For details on how to order transcripts, visit http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/transcripts

The economy in Saskatchewan is booming, and with that comes plenty of good paying jobs in a wide range of occupations. For more information about the prospects of specific occupations, visit Saskatchewan JobFutures at http://www.saskjobfutures.ca/. This website has a wealth of information about just about almost every occupation you can imagine. Information ranging from typical duties (is that really what you want to do all day?) to training pathways, trends and outlooks (are there going to be any jobs?), wages, and information about where the jobs are located (are they in the cities, in the north or spread all over?)

There is also lots of labour market information on the Service Canada website http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca/ . This site has information about current trends in the labour market, and what you need to do to get in on the action. For every occupation you can find out the kinds of skills you need to have, how you can get into that occupation and what to expect when you do.

Adult 12 policy

If you are 18 and have been out of school for at least a year, you are eligible to obtain an Adult 12. Under the Adult 12 Policy, an adult may attain a Grade 12 standing by successfully completing 7 credit classes. Prerequisite requirements are waived for adults. Credits may be attained by taking the course from a Saskatchewan secondary school, by correspondence, or a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution approved to offer secondary level courses. Adults also have the option of challenging a departmental examination.

Compulsory courses for Adult 12 (secondary completion) are:

English Language Arts A 30 and English Language Arts B 30;
One Canadian Studies course (History 30, Native Studies 30, or Social Studies 30)
One level 20 or level 30 mathematics;
One level 20 or level 30 science;
Two electives at level 30 (one may be Prior Learning 30).

Credits obtained through the K-12 system may be transferred to the Adult 12 program.

General Education Development (GED)
If you are over 18, you are eligible to write the GED tests. The GED Tests measure the academic skills and knowledge expected of high school graduates. Recognized throughout North America, the GED Testing Program has served as a bridge to education and employment. The GED Tests provide a reliable vehicle through which adults can certify that they possess the major and lasting outcomes of a traditional high school education. For more information about the GED, visit http://www.aee.gov.sk.ca/ged

There are a number of ways to obtain credits that you need for certain jobs or post-secondary programs. Saskatchewan Learning, through the Technology Supported Learning (TSL) unit (formerly the Saskatchewan Government Correspondence School), offers approximately forty secondary level courses that can be taken through distance learning. Some of the courses are available in print format, many are available online. The TSL courses are available to students of all ages.

A number of school divisions throughout the province are also offering online courses. Please contact your local school or school division office for information.

Some courses are available through the SIAST and Regional Colleges. These are primarily courses that are required for the Adult 10 or Adult 12 program.

There are many opportunities for you to gain experience, build skills and aquire knowledge that will be useful both in your personal life, but also in employment. There are courses such as First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, and food safety courses that might give you an advantage when applying for some jobs. You can volunteer or do some job shadowing to gain more knowledge and understanding in a specific career aspiration. You should also consider getting involved with organizations like 4H, Scouts and Girl Guides, Junior Achievement, and volunteering in community clubs, service organizations or your church. All of these kinds of activities will make you a more well rounded individual, and will help build transferable skills.

Specific information regarding requirements for graduation is available in the Saskatchewan Learning document Core Curriculum: Principles, Time Allocations, and Credit Policy. Also found in this document are the course requirements for French Immersion and Fransaskois programs. (http://www.sasklearning.gov.sk.ca/branches/curr/pdf/corecurr_ptac_2007.pdf)

See your career counsellor for a specific list of classes needed. Keep in mind that each career or university program requires different classes, therefore, you need to make sure that you are enrolled in the right classes.

While there are a significant number of sites which cater to job listings, www.saskjobs.ca has region specific Saskatchewan jobs which are updated daily. They also have some useful tips on résumé preparation and other job search must-haves.

Student loans request demographic information, income and expense data, as well as parental or spousal income declarations. You will also need to declare any assets that you may have. There are also questions specific to your employment, residence status, dependants, and so on. Ask your career education counsellor for an old student loans package so that you can have the necessary information ready when it is time to apply. It may take 4-6 weeks to hear a response so you will need to apply as soon as possible once the package becomes available for the next school year.

Student loans for the school year beginning in September are available at the end of June of that year. For example, if you want to attend an institution in September '08, you would apply at the end of June '08. Print information is available in the schools at the very end of June. Online applications are available at http://www.aee.gov.sk.ca/student-loans/. Be sure, if you are applying online, to mail in all of the required documentation, as you will not be processed unless all relevant infomation is received at the student loan office.

Obviously, the harder you work at keeping high enough grades to achieve the minimum average, the greater your opportunity for acceptance. However, there are numerous people trying to take the same seat you want. It is wise to apply to multiple institutions to increase your chances of being accepted. Each institution will require you to pay an application fee.