Language skills are an important consideration because language proficiency significantly increases employability, and once you have a job, it can influence your potential for advancement.
We offer three types of language programs, often referred to by their acronyms: LINC, ELT and ESL (we've spelt them out below). When you attend an assessment and orientation session we help you decide which one is best.
Our Course and workshop listings include English as a second language (ESL) courses because they are occupation based and good for career advancement. You must have an intermediate level of English (CLB 5-7). Courses run at various times, including daytime, evenings and Saturdays.
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.
If you are interested in registering for English as a second language (ESL) or TOEFL courses, you must be assessed by a counsellor to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibile for ESL?
- You are 18 years of age or older
- Your first language is not English or French
- You have completed high school, or you are an early school leaver; AND you are not currently enrolled in any publicly supported day school in Ontario
Immigration/citizenship status
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, convention refugee, protected person, or refugee claimant; or
- a provincial nominee, or their dependant, who has been approved through the Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program but has not yet been processed to receive permanent resident status; or
- a temporary foreign worker, or their dependant, who has been approved through the Canadian Experience Class; or
- a foreign domestic worker admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program.
You must show valid proof of status to your instructor before being admitted to class.
If you are not eligible to take an ESL course, an information and referral counsellor can provide alternatives.
Other language training offered at Skills for Change
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.
