“Lighting the Path for Our Youth”
What is the future ready Initiative?
The EL Shama Cares Foundation Future Ready Hub is a career, education, and transition centre designed to help youth and adults move from uncertainty to opportunity.
Through the Future Ready Initiative, we help individuals start, restart, or redefine their pathway toward education, credentials, employment, and long-term career success.
We believe that your past should not determine your future.
Whether you are a student preparing to graduate, an adult returning to education, a newcomer navigating Canada, or someone looking for a second chance, the Future Ready Hub meets you where you are and helps you build a practical path forward.
Who Is Future Ready For?
Future Ready is intentionally designed for people who may not fit traditional education or career pathways.
Youth & Students
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Graduating high school students
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Youth who are unsure about their next step
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Students who do not meet traditional university admission requirements
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Youth returning to education
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Newcomer and immigrant youth
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First-generation post-secondary students
Adults & Second-Chance Learners
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Adults who did not complete high school
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Parents returning to education or the workforce
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Adults changing careers
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Individuals returning to school after years away
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Individuals looking to upgrade their credentials or skills
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People ready to pursue a long-delayed goal
Newcomers to Canada
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Permanent residents
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Canadian citizens
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Protected refugees
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Individuals with international education or experience
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Newcomers seeking Canadian education and workforce integration
OUR 4-STEP FUTURE READY MODEL
DISCOVER → CLARIFY → ALIGN → ACT
Discovery
Understand your strengths, interests, experiences, identity, and goals.
Clarity
Explore realistic education, career, and employment possibilities.
Alignment
Identify barriers, build confidence, and create a personalized pathway.
Action
Move forward into education, training, employment, or your next career step.
THREE PATHWAYS. ONE FUTURE.
The Future Ready Hub brings together three connected pathways designed to support people at different stages of their journey.
1. CAEC TESTING & PREPARATION CENTRE
For individuals who did not complete high school or need a recognized credential to move forward, our CAEC Testing and Preparation Centre provides access to preparation, coaching, and testing support.
2. FUTURE READY INITIATIVE
The Future Ready Initiative is our career-focused transition and workforce development program for youth and adults who are ready for their next chapter.
3. PRE-FUTURE READY INITIATIVE
Pre-Future Ready is designed for individuals who are not quite ready to enter a traditional education, training, or employment pathway, but are ready to begin preparing for one.
CAEC TESTING & PREPARATION
Your High School Equivalency. Your Next Opportunity.
WHAT IS THE CAEC?
Empowering Youth Through Education
The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) is Canada's adult education credential that replaced the GED® in 2024.
According to the Government of Alberta, the CAEC provides a Canadian education credential for adults who do not have a high school diploma and are seeking access to employment opportunities, education pathways, and training opportunities.
The CAEC was developed with provincial and territorial partners, employers, post-secondary institutions, and apprenticeship providers to create a Canadian credential designed around the needs of adult learners.
The credential is available in English and French, with computer-based testing and paper options available. The CAEC is also designed to support test-takers who require learning accommodations.
IMPORTANT: CAEC REPLACED THE GED
The GED® is no longer offered in Canada. Alberta transitioned from the GED® to the CAEC in May 2024.
If you already earned your GED®, your completed credential remains valid and continues to be recognized.
WHO IS THE CAEC FOR?
CAEC AT EL SHAMA CARES
The CAEC is designed primarily for adults who do not have a high school diploma and need an education credential to open new doors.
It may be useful for individuals seeking to:
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Improve their employment opportunities
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Meet educational requirements for employment
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Pursue additional education or training
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Explore apprenticeship opportunities
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Return to education after time away
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Build a stronger foundation for their career goals
Preparation and Testing, Together.
Preparing for the CAEC can feel overwhelming when you do not know where to begin.
Where do I register?
What should I study?
Which subjects do I need?
Am I ready to write?
What happens if I don't pass?
What can I do after I receive my credential?
At EL Shama Cares Foundation, we believe you should not have to navigate these questions alone.
Our CAEC Testing & Preparation pathway brings preparation, coaching, testing, and future planning together under the Future Ready Initiative.