Skills Development Programs
Bloom Skills Centre has restructured it’s program delivery and is very excited to share more skills building opportunities. Please read the program information below for details of our upcoming programs.
Root Programs
Our Root Programs teach critical independent life skills. Some of our Root Programs are pre-requisites for our Bloom Programs.
Cart to Table
Learn the essential skills for planning, shopping, and preparing delicious meals on a budget in this hands-on program!
Designed to foster independence and confidence, this course will guide students through the fundamentals of creating balanced meal plans, making smart grocery shopping choices, and mastering basic cooking techniques.
Students will gain practical experience in:
Meal Planning: Creating weekly menus that balance nutrition, taste, and budget.
Smart Grocery Shopping: Navigating stores, comparing prices, reading labels, and finding deals.
Cooking Basics: Preparing simple, healthy meals with an emphasis on safety and efficiency.
By the end of the program, participants will develop skills to confidently handle their food needs, reduce waste, and create satisfying meals while staying within their budget.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or looking to enhance your independence, this program sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy and affordable eating.
This program is a prerequisite program for the fruit programs.
Dollars and Sense
Equip yourself with the tools to manage money wisely, create budgets, and organize your daily life in this practical and engaging program. Perfect for individuals seeking to build financial confidence and personal organization, this course focuses on foundational skills that promote independence and success.
Participants will learn to:
Master Basic Money Skills: Understand the value of money, make smart spending choices, and develop saving habits.
Create Simple Budgets: Track income and expenses, set financial goals, and manage a budget effectively.
Plan for Daily Success: Use calendars, to-do lists, and time management techniques to stay organized and on track.
Through hands-on activities, real-world scenarios, and interactive discussions, students will leave with the knowledge and confidence to navigate daily life with ease.
Whether you’re starting fresh or enhancing existing skills, this program provides the foundation for a more organized and financially secure future.
This program is a prerequisite program for the fruit programs.
Healthy You, Happy You I &II
Discover how to take charge of your well-being with this comprehensive program that blends self-care, safety, and fitness. Designed to promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle, this course provides practical knowledge and skills to help you look after yourself, stay safe, and feel your best.
Participants will explore:
Self-Care Practices: Build routines to nurture your mental and emotional well-being.
First Aid Basics: Learn essential skills to respond to common injuries and emergencies with confidence.
Hygiene Habits: Master personal care routines that support health and self-esteem.
Exercise for Wellness: Discover accessible ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily life to boost energy and fitness.
Through interactive lessons, hands-on practice, and personalized guidance, this program empowers students to build habits that support a lifetime of wellness. Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or refining your skills, this course offers a supportive environment to thrive.
This program is a prerequisite program for the fruit programs.
Social Savvy I & II
Develop meaningful connections and build confidence in social interactions with this interactive and supportive program. Designed to enhance communication and interpersonal abilities, this course provides the tools to navigate various social settings with ease and self-assurance.
Participants will learn to:
Communicate Effectively: Express thoughts and ideas clearly while listening actively to others.
Build Positive Relationships: Develop trust, empathy, and cooperation in personal and professional interactions.
Navigate Social Situations: Practice skills for initiating conversations, understanding social cues, and managing conflicts.
Boost Confidence: Gain strategies to overcome shyness and feel more comfortable in group settings.
With hands-on activities, role-playing, and real-world scenarios, this program helps participants develop practical skills for everyday interactions. Whether you’re looking to strengthen friendships, succeed in the workplace, or feel more confident in social settings, this course sets the stage for lasting success.
This program is a prerequisite program for the fruit programs.
Nest Know-How
Take control of your living space and build essential life skills with this practical program designed to teach the basics of home maintenance. From everyday chores to outdoor care, this course will help you develop the skills and confidence to keep your home clean, organized, and running smoothly.
Participants will learn how to:
Handle Household Chores: Master the art of doing dishes, laundry, and other essential tasks with efficiency and ease.
Keep a Clean & Tidy Home: Learn cleaning techniques for different surfaces, rooms, and spaces to maintain a fresh environment.
Maintain Your Yard: Gain basic skills in lawn care, mowing, and garden upkeep.
Organize Your Space: Create systems for organizing personal items, keeping your home functional, and reducing clutter.
With hands-on demonstrations, step-by-step guides, and practical tips, this program empowers you to manage your home like a pro. Whether you’re living on your own or want to sharpen your household management skills, this course sets the foundation for a well-maintained and comfortable home.
This program is a prerequisite program for the fruit programs.
Knots and Needles I &II
Unleash your creativity and gain practical skills in this hands-on program that introduces you to the world of sewing, mending, knitting, and crocheting.
Designed for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills, this course will teach you the basics of creating, repairing, and personalizing textile items.
Participants will learn to:
Sewing Fundamentals: Become confident with simple stitches and learn how to mend, hem, and create basic clothing and home décor items.
Knitting & Crocheting Basics: Explore the world of yarn, learning basic stitches and techniques to create your own scarves, blankets, and accessories.
Mending & Repairing: Develop skills for fixing common issues like torn clothing, loose buttons, and damaged fabrics, extending the life of your textiles.
Textile Creativity: Gain confidence in personalizing your creations, whether it’s adding embellishments or customizing designs.
Through step-by-step lessons and hands-on practice, this program will help you build a solid foundation in textile arts, empowering you to create, repair, and express your personal style with fabric and yarn. Whether you’re looking to learn a new hobby or save money by mending your own items, this course offers a welcoming environment for creative exploration and practical skill-building.
Modes in Motion
Explore the city of Kingston with confidence and independence in this hands-on program designed to teach the essential skills for getting around safely and efficiently. Whether you’re new to urban living or just looking to enhance your mobility, this course will provide the knowledge and practical experience you need to navigate public transportation, ride a bicycle, and stay safe on the streets.
Participants will learn to:
Navigate Public Transportation: Understand how to use buses including reading schedules, routes, and fare systems.
Ride a Bicycle Safely: Gain essential cycling skills, from proper bike handling to understanding traffic laws, and build confidence in riding around the city.
Master Urban Safety: Learn how to safely cross streets, use pedestrian pathways, and stay aware of your surroundings to avoid common hazards in an urban environment.
Plan Your Routes: Develop skills for planning your trips efficiently, whether by bike, bus, or walking, and discover the best ways to get from point A to point B.
Through interactive lessons, real-world practice, and safety tips, this program empowers students to take control of their urban mobility. Whether you’re looking to commute more efficiently, enjoy cycling, or simply explore the city with ease, this course will give you the tools to navigate confidently and safely.
This program is a prerequisite program for the fruit programs.
Birds, Bees, And Butterflies I &II
Dive into the rewarding world of gardening with this comprehensive, hands-on program designed to teach all aspects of cultivating and maintaining a thriving garden.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your skills, this course covers everything from planting seeds to preserving the fruits of your labor.
Participants will learn to:
Plant and Nurture Seeds: Understand the basics of soil preparation, seed selection, and proper planting techniques.
Manage Garden Health: Practice weeding, watering, and identifying common pests, with tips on natural insect management.
Care for Fruit Trees: Learn pruning techniques to promote growth, health, and abundant harvests.
Harvest Like a Pro: Discover the best methods and timing for harvesting fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Preserve Your Harvest: Learn the basics of preserving your garden’s bounty through canning, pickling, and other preservation methods.
Explore Sustainable Practices: Dive into composting, seed saving, and eco-friendly gardening methods to reduce waste and nurture the environment.
Through hands-on activities, guided instruction, and real-world practice, this program offers a deep understanding of gardening from start to finish. By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and confidence to cultivate a productive garden and enjoy its rewards year-round.
Students who enroll in this programming have the opportunity to the Fruit Program of the CommUnity Garden Stand
Fruit Programs
Students enrolled in these program will develop skills for community volunteerism and employment. Some of our Root programs are prerequisite programs for our Fruit Programs. Please see our Program Registration page for more information on how to sign up to our Fruit Programs.
CommUnity Cafe
Step into the world of food service with this hands-on café program, designed to equip students with the essential skills needed for working in a café or retail environment. This course combines practical food safety, food handling, and customer service techniques to prepare you for a successful career in the food service industry.
Participants will learn to:
Food Safety Fundamentals: Understand the key principles of food safety, including proper storage, temperature control, and hygiene to prevent contamination and ensure customer well-being.
Food Handling Skills: Gain hands-on experience in safely preparing, cooking, and serving food, following industry standards for cleanliness and quality.
Customer Service Excellence: Develop communication and problem-solving skills to provide friendly, professional service in a café setting, with a focus on creating positive customer experiences.
Through immersive training and real-world practice, this program offers the opportunity to learn in a simulated café environment, applying your skills directly to real customer interactions and food preparation tasks. Whether you’re looking to pursue a career in the food service industry or develop valuable job skills for other work environments, this program will set you up for success.
Please note: Our CommUnity Cafe has changed locations. We now operate out of Kingston Community Health Centre at 263 Weller Ave. Unit #4
CommUnity Market Stand
Support your community while learning valuable skills in this unique program that combines farm-fresh produce with affordable, home-cooked meals. Students will be involved in running a farm produce stand, offering fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as preparing and serving affordable meals to the public.
Participants will:
Manage a Produce Stand: Learn how to select, organize, and display fresh produce, interact with customers, and handle transactions to ensure smooth operations at the stand.
Prepare Affordable Meals: Gain hands-on experience in meal preparation, using fresh ingredients to create nutritious, cost-effective meals that are accessible to all.
Customer Service Skills: Develop strong communication and customer service abilities, ensuring a welcoming environment for shoppers and meal customers alike.
Understand Farm-to-Table: Explore the connection between locally sourced produce and its role in creating healthy, affordable meals for the community.
This program provides real-world experience in managing a produce stand and meal preparation, while also contributing to community wellness through accessible, low-cost food options. Whether you’re interested in farming, cooking, or community service, this course offers a hands-on approach to working with food in an impactful and meaningful way.
Ready, Set, Work
Prepare for a successful career with this comprehensive employment readiness program designed to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce. This course provides practical, hands-on training in resume building, interview techniques, and offers valuable insight into real workplace environments through employment tours.
Participants will:
Build a Strong Resume: Learn how to create a standout resume that highlights your skills, experiences, and qualifications to catch the attention of potential employers.
Master Interview Techniques: Practice essential interview skills, from how to answer common questions to presenting yourself professionally, so you can make a lasting impression.
Explore Real Workplaces: Take part in employment tours to visit various workplaces, gaining a firsthand look at different industries, job roles, and company cultures.
Enhance Professional Skills: Develop confidence, communication, and workplace etiquette to stand out in the competitive job market.
This program combines interactive workshops with real-world experience, providing you with the tools to succeed in your job search and future employment. This course helps you navigate the job market with confidence and prepares you for long-term career success.