The program incorporates practical skills into regular academic studies. For example, as well as word processing, learners learn other computer applications, such as Publisher, Excel and Power Point. Business communications are included as part of the ALBE English curriculum, and communication skills are taught in the College/Career courses. Staff try to keep learners aware that ALBE is a stepping stone—preparation for further training, employment or community involvement.

The program encourages learners to take advantage of workshops, conferences and training sessions, especially those connected to their career goals. For example, one learner, who is planning a career in environmental studies, attended a World Forestry Congress in Quebec. This experience increased her motivation to achieve her career goals. When she returned, she wrote an essay about the conference and related forestry issues. In addition, she spoke to high school students, thus serving as a role model for other learners.

Another learner, who plans to be an Aboriginal languages instructor, benefited from a Chipewyan language and culture workshop. Like the previous learner, she too wrote an essay about her experiences at the workshop. Another learner, who is entering the health profession, researched cocaine abuse. She shared her paper with the local drug and alcohol counsellors, who found it a very valuable resource.

When learners are more involved in the community, the community becomes an extension of the classroom. A feedback loop develops between their community experiences and their course work. Their course work, in turn, becomes more anchored to real-life experience; and the skills they develop are transferable to other areas of life.