Why does the YWCA Saskatoon offer GED Preparation Classes to parents who are clients of the Employment Service for Parents, as a part of their employment plan?

The knowledge and skills (read and process information, solve problems and communicate effectively) acquired while studying for and completing the GED (General Education Development) are considered equivalent to those of a grade 12 graduate. 

A high school diploma or certificate is now considered the minimum requirement necessary to survive and hopefully thrive in the Saskatchewan/Canada labour market.

In Saskatchewan, 40% of adults 16 years and older (48% Canada) people have literacy rates below that of a high school grad and as a result would have difficulty meeting the growing literacy demands of a knowledge-based economy.

It is predicted that in the next five years, 2/3 of new and replacement jobs will require some type of post-secondary education.

Many employers will not hire someone who does not have a GED certificate or a high-school diploma.  Future promotions and job changes will also be easier for GED graduates.

Technical schools offering post-secondary education such as SIAST usually require a high-school diploma or GED for enrolment.