I am a big believer in lifelong learning and acquiring new skills (or at least trying out new things), so I am constantly taking new classes.  My newest challenge is a sewing class at the Burnaby, BC Schoolboard’s Continuing Education Centre.  I needed materials for the class so I went to Fabricana, a cloth and sewing shop.  Since I had my receipt from the class with me, I decided to ask at the till if I could get a student discount.  Lo and behold, I got 10% off my entire bill so it pays to ask.

I love taking classes at the schoolboard.  If you’re looking to acquire some beginner skills, get a new hobby, try something out for the first time or change/find a new career, the schoolboard is a great place to start you off.  They have languages, cooking, gardening, art, crafts, instruments, singing, computer, fashion, assertiveness, etiquette, business, dance, and many more.  Most of the instructors I have encountered there are good teachers and are passionate about their subjects.  The classes are reasonably priced, certainly more affordable than most University non-credit courses or classes at companies or studios.  As an example, there is a Pet First Aid course at the New Westminster Schoolboard that costs $48 taught by St. John’s Ambulance.  If you take the very same course at St. John’s Ambulance’s facilities, it costs around $70 for the very same course.

Other advantages to schoolboard classes are they are more accessible, no need to show a resume/portfolio to get in.  And as you can see from my experience above, you could get some discounts on materials.  Furthermore, some classes are FREE.  The community sponsored classes are offered free to the public, you just have to register early as they fill up fast.  So pick up a schoolboard continuing ed brochure at your local library or google your city’s schoolboard for a schedule of classes today!