Taking advantage of Skills for Change language programs will help you improve language proficiency and better position you to pursue meaningful employment.
We offer three types of language programs: Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), Enhanced Language Training (ELT), and English as a Second Language (ESL). More information is available for each program by following the links below.
We will help you decide the language program most suitable for you at an information and referral counselling session, and can also help you to set up the mandatory Canadian Language Benchmark - (CLB) assessment for LINC and ELT.
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
If you are a new Immigrant to Cannada and want to improve your English language abilities in a progressive, standardized format, then LINC is a good choice.
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) represents the standard for language learning and is consistent with the Canadian Language Benchmarks. Skills for Change offers full-time English classes for level 4 (Intermediate), level 5 (High Intermediate) and level 6-7 (Advanced).
Curriculum includes learning about Canadian life and culture, using English to learn more about accessing services required, tools for searching for a job, workplace culture, conversation practice, and much more. Students who are new to Canada and need orientation to the culture and language will generally begin with these classes before moving on to other programs.
A free childminding program is available for children aged from 18 months to 5 years old. The children need to be registered with the YMCA assessment centre at the time of testing. Our program can only accept a maximum of eight children at a time.
Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
Enhanced Language Training is an intensive five week program helping raise your English proficiency and assists you in finding work in your professional field. We offer four streams during the year: engineering, accounting, health care, and information technology.
If you are an internationally educated professional, and you find that your level of English proficiency is preventing you from holding a position that matches your experience, occupation specific language training can help you to get to the next level.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
ESL courses are ideal if you are pursuing a specific occupation. You must have an intermediate level of English (CLB 5-7), and meet the eligibility criteria. Courses run at various times, including daytime and Saturdays.
Courses:
ESL: Progressive English for Internationally-Educated Professionals
Program Guidelines
LINC and ELT are funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Students are assessed and referred by the YMCA. Your status needs to be landed immigrant or convention refugee.
ESL courses are offered in partnership with the Toronto District School Board or the Toronto Catholic District School Board. They are open to Canadian citizens, refugee claimants, live-in caregivers, landed immigrants and convention refugees.
- You can access other programs and services offered at Skills for Change at the same time as you take an ESL course.
- You cannot participate in ELT and LINC at the same time.
- If you are enrolled in a LINC 5 or 6-7 class at another organization, you can take an ESL course.
Exceptions are made for certain classes.
