City of Toronto

The GED Testing program has proven to be popular among employees at the Water and Wastewater Services division of the City of Toronto’s Works and Emergency Services department. The division oversees all aspects of tap water production and distribution, and wastewater collection and treatment in Toronto. When the division first ran its GED program this summer, 75 employees showed a strong interest. The majority passed an assessment to take the test preparation course and in the end, 38 employees wrote the test.

"Receiving the [equivalency] certificate really opened doors,” says Rick Malkiewicz, a technical trainer for the division. “It makes employees more versatile, and in our case, it allows successful candidates to pursue their Operator certification."

A second round of preparation was offered in December, with over 20 candidates writing the tests in early January. “As long as there is an audience for it, we will keep offering the service,” asserts Malkiewicz. A more educated and qualified work staff are one of the benefits the GED program offers the city in return.

The city covers the costs for the assessments, preparation, and test, and even provides catering as an added bonus to the dedicated employees who come in after hours to work toward their goals. “They are very proud once they get the certificate. You have to remember that some of them have been out of the education system for 20 or 25 years, so it really is an accomplishment for them — a milestone.” Malkiewicz remarks.