Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
The Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program provides newcomers with higher levels of language training in one of Canada's two official languages and the focus is on developing communication skills for the Canadian workplace. ELT helps newcomers improve their proficiency and confidence to more easily and quickly find and keep jobs for which they are qualified. Some ELT programs have bridge-to-work assistance, including mentorship, work placements and other employment help. Some ELT programs are job/industry specific and others are generic.
EligibilityInternationally trained professionals who are:
- Permanent residents, convention refugees, Protected Persons (check with each delivering agency)
- Have a minimum language level at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7-10. [Some programs may accept a CLB Level 6 – check with each delivering agency]
- Assessed at a YMCA or Welcome Centre language assessment centre
Cost: Free (Funded by: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC))
Delivering Agencies: Employers, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, community agencies, and organizations that help newcomers.
The following service providers offer job-specific/sector-specific ELT classes:
Toronto- ACCES Employment Services (Language for Workplace Connections (generic); Engineering Connections)
- Catholic Cross-cultural Services (Healthcare)
- COSTI Immigrant Services (Accounting and Finance; Childcare; Office Administration and Customer Service)
- Job Start (Information Technology)
- JVS Toronto (Canadian Workplace Communication for International Trained Individuals)
- The Learning Enrichment Foundation (IT Project Management)
- Polycultural Immigrant Community Services (Work placements, Mentoring, Cultural Orientation to the Workplace and Preparation for Licensure Exams)
- Ryerson University (Internationally-Educated Engineers Qualification Bridging (IEEQB) Program
- Skills for Change (ELT for Engineers)
- Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (Engineering)
- Toronto Catholic District School Board (ELT for ESL Instructors)
- Toronto District School Board (Accounting; Customer Service & Administration for Immigrant Women; Engineering; Financial Services; IT; Sales & Marketing)
- University of Toronto – Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Pharmacy)
- Woodgreen Community Services (IT; Finance; Community Services-Frontline; Engineering; Healthcare)
- YMCA Toronto (Hospitality)
Supports: Childminding and transportation allowance may be available to those who qualify.