What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Saint John Learning Exchange

Home
Canada
Saint John, NB
Saint John Learning Exchange

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

The Learning Exchange is Saint John’s community hub for adult education and employment services. Those working on their AHSD would be youth ages 16 – 25. Voila!
(1)

Programs and Services

The Learning Exchange is an organization that has served adults in the Saint John community for the last 30 years. We offer a variety of academic, employment and essential skills programs and you may encounter more than one of our services as you work towards your individual goals. We use a holistic approach when helping you decide what programs or services are best for you. In the academic stream of The Learning Exchange we offer three programs:

Learning Exchange Academic Program (LEAP) – L.E.A.P combines learners who are working on their GED and some working on their Adult High School Diploma (AHSD). L.E.A.P is for individuals who want an individualized and more independent approach. They can sign up for one or two 1.5 hour slots a week and come into the class or they can do online learning or a combination of the two. There are small class sizes and everyone is working on their own subjects while the facilitator supports each individually. The facilitator develops a learning plan for each individual to suit their needs and schedule. Basic Education Skills Training (BEST) – B.E.S.T is the most holistic program at the Learning Exchange. Adults generally attend on a full-time basis, Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm in preparation for employment or post-secondary education. Program goals are individualized and you can work at your own pace in a small class environment. Most of our participants are preparing for the GED or increasing their literacy/numeracy, as well as working on self-development and life skills, pre-employment skills, and community engagement. B.E.S.T also provides you with an opportunity to explore your next steps and helps connect you pwith other programs and services to support these endeavors. Growing Occupational Academic & Life Skills (GOALS) - G.O.A.L.S. is for youth ages 16 to 25 looking to complete their Adult High School Diploma. G.O.A.L.S. is an opportunity to achieve high school credits in English, Math, Arts, Outdoor Pursuits, Environmental Science and more in a small class setting with a teacher and a tutor, which allows for a lot of individual attention. Learners work on one subject at a time at their own pace. The focus is on project-based and hands-on learning, there are no tests. In the employment stream of The Learning Exchange we offer one program and one ongoing service:

Workplace Essential Skills (WES) – The focus of this program is to increase literacy and employability by focusing on employment and life skills development, such as the 9 Essential Skills for success in work and life (numeracy, reading, writing, document use, computer use, problem solving, oral communication, working with others and continuous learning). This full-time program runs 12-weeks and offers a combination of volunteer placements and in classroom work to build employability skills. WorkLinks- For participants of any of the programs at The Learning Exchange and external job seekers this service includes two Workforce Coaches and a Job Developer who assist job seekers in developing a plan for employment, and addressing all elements of job search and maintenance. The Job Developer works with community partners and employers creatively seeking new employment opportunities and matching employers’ needs with appropriate candidates. This service offers a number of employment related tools from cover letters and resumes to interview preparation and job shadow opportunities. In addition to these programs and services we have two growing Social Enterprises: Stone Soup Catering and Voila! Cleaning Company. The Learning Exchange runs these two companies that employ learners and past clients of The Learning Exchange. Stone Soup Catering caters events around Saint John and provides healthy meal options for clients and students at The Learning Exchange. is an environmentally friendly cleaning company servicing residential, commercial and corporate clients. As we move forward clients of the WorkLinks program will have the opportunity to train within these social enterprises to build their soft skills and eventually move towards meaningful employment.

10/14/2026

Staff Spotlight: Sarah LeBlanc ✨

“My goal in life has always been to be the person that I needed when I was growing up.”

Meet Sarah, our WESLinks and Soft Skills Facilitator at the Saint John Learning Exchange.

Sarah brings a kind, empathetic, and whimsical presence to her work every day. In her role, she loves watching learners slowly come out of their shell, strengthen their self-esteem and confidence, and work toward becoming the person they want to be.

For Sarah, supporting learners is a lot like watching a seedling grow. She sees the small steps, the daily effort, and the moments where learners begin to recognize their own strength.

Sarah has always known she wanted to help people. Through her experience in frontline work, transitional housing, reintegration support, and now at SJLE, she has seen the importance of community and the difference it can make when people feel supported.

One of Sarah’s favourite moments at work was watching Carrie, a former WESLinks learner, speak at a United Way event and receive a standing ovation. Seeing Carrie’s growth, confidence, and impact was a moment Sarah will never forget.

Outside of work, Sarah is a crafty person who loves to sew, paint, and crochet. She is also an avid reader with a personal library in her classroom and a proud cat mom to Moo, Daisy Jones, and Honey Bee.

Thank you, Sarah, for the kindness, care, and encouragement you bring to learners and the SJLE community every day!

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day.

At the Saint John Learning Exchange, we know that learning, employment, and personal growth are all connected to well-being. That is why mental health support is an important part of the work we do every day.

Through our programs, coaching, partnerships, and wraparound supports, we work to create a place where learners feel safe, seen, heard, and supported. Sometimes that support looks like helping someone work toward their diploma or employment goals. Other times, it looks like encouragement, connection, or simply having someone in your corner.

World Mental Health Day is a reminder to check in with ourselves and each other, make space for honest conversations, and remember that asking for support is a sign of strength.

Today and every day, we remain committed to supporting the whole person, not just the goal they are working toward.

10/09/2026

Today, we celebrated a milestone that each of our graduates earned.

Getting to this moment takes more than completing assignments or checking off requirements. It takes showing up, starting again when things do not go as planned, asking for help when needed, and continuing to move forward, even when the path isn’t easy.

Our 2026 graduates have shown incredible resilience, determination, and perseverance throughout their journeys. Each person arrived at SJLE with their own experiences, challenges, goals, and reasons for being here.

We are so proud of every learner who kept going, celebrated every small win, navigated the difficult days and crossed the finished line. ❤️

Congratulations, Class of 2026! We can’t wait to see where your next chapter takes you. 🎓

10/07/2026

What is WESLinks?

WESLinks, or Workplace Essential Skills, is a 12-week program at the Saint John Learning Exchange that helps learners build the foundation they need to succeed in the workforce.

Through four modules, learners work on practical skills like workplace preparation, resume and interview practice, communication, teamwork, goal-setting, and personal growth. The program also includes hands-on learning opportunities through projects like sewing, pantry support, Supper in a Bag, and gardening.

WESLinks is about more than preparing for a job. It gives learners the chance to build confidence, explore their strengths, connect with others, and take meaningful steps toward their goals.

Learn more about WESLinks on our website:
https://sjle.org/programs/employment/weslinks/

10/06/2026

Our recent Power Up graduates took the lead in organizing a Clothing Closet for our learners! 👚

We received an incredible number of clothing donations to help stock the closet.

Thank you to everyone who donated and helped make this possible. We are so grateful to our community for continuous support! ❤️

10/05/2026

Happy World Teachers’ Day! ✨

Today, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible team at the Saint John Learning Exchange.

At SJLE, teaching and learning happen in so many different ways. It happens in classrooms, workshops, coaching conversations, social enterprises, one-on-one support, and everyday moments of encouragement.

Our team shows up each day because they care deeply about the people around them. They bring different backgrounds, skills, and experiences, but they are all connected by the same goal: creating a place where learners feel safe, seen, heard, and supported.

Whether they are helping someone work toward their Adult High School Diploma, build employment skills, explore a new career path, gain confidence, or simply take the next step forward, their work makes a lasting difference.

Thank you to our facilitators, coaches, coordinators, social enterprise teams, and every staff member who helps make SJLE a place of learning, growth, and possibility.

We are grateful for the care, patience, creativity, and encouragement you bring to our community every day.

10/01/2026

Stone Soup is hiring two positions! ⬇️

We’re hiring!

Stone Soup is looking to grow our team with a few new people who are passionate about good food, great coffee, and community impact.

We currently have two opportunities available:

Cafe Team Member
Permanent / Part-Time
https://ca.indeed.com/job/cafe-team-member-0937a6395c0a5e95

Cafe Manager
Permanent / Full-Time
https://ca.indeed.com/job/caf%C3%A9-manager-bfc53c04f1d3f323

Please apply with your resume on Indeed.

Applications are requested by October 16th, 2026

Know someone who would be a great fit? Feel free to share!

09/30/2026

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are taking time to reflect on the importance of truth, learning, and solidarity.

This day is an opportunity to honour Survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home from residential schools. It is also a reminder that reconciliation is ongoing work that requires listening, learning, and meaningful action.

At the Saint John Learning Exchange, we are committed to creating space for reflection and continuing to learn alongside our community.

We encourage everyone to take time to reflect, learn, and stand with Indigenous peoples today and every day.

09/28/2026

Happy International Coffee Day! ☕️

At SJLE and Stone Soup, coffee is more than something we serve. It is part of a social enterprise that creates training, employment, and growth opportunities for learners and job-seekers in our community.

Stone Soup is the Saint John Learning Exchange’s original social enterprise, providing fair wage employment and hands-on workplace experience in a real café and catering environment. Revenue from Stone Soup is reinvested back into the team to support their personal and professional growth.

We are proud to serve coffee from Nova Coffee, a Canadian, family-owned and operated business that has been part of the region’s coffee community for over 50 years. Their commitment to quality products, exceptional service, integrity, and transparency makes them a supplier that aligns with the values behind our work.

Every cup of coffee served at Stone Soup is connected to something bigger: meaningful work, skill development, and the belief that investing in people strengthens our whole community.

Thank you for supporting Stone Soup and the mission behind every cup.

Address

139 Prince Edward Street Suite 216
Saint John, NB
E2L1A8

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+15066480202

Website

http://sjle.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Saint John Learning Exchange posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Saint John Learning Exchange:

Want your organization to be the top-listed non profit organization in Saint John?