English language training expands

Parkland College's English as an Additional Language (EAL) course offerings for immigrants in the region continue to grow.

This month, a mixed skill level tutorial will launch in Lintlaw for newcomers taking jobs at businesses there such as Big Sky Farms. The class adds to free EAL options already available through Parkland College in Yorkton, Esterhazy, and Preeceville.

"It's kind of our job to bring education to them wherever they live," says Katherine Springford, literacy coordinator for Parkland College.

Also this month, a unique EAL class has begun operating within Aspen Bluffs Villa in Yorkton. About six employees of the care home will spend three hours of their work schedule each week taking English language training tailored to their employment needs.

Springford sees the college's partnership with the care home as "a good investment" that she hopes will be the start of a trend. On-the-job training makes English language education accessible to immigrants who would otherwise not be able to attend, improving their work performance and expanding their options for advancement.

"If the employers take it upon themselves to help out by providing time, space, and salary while the class is going on to their employee, it just makes such a big difference," says Springford.

"We would love to see other employers giving that encouragement to their employees."

EAL opportunities at Parkland College have grown steadily in recent years as businesses in the region have made use of immigration programs to meet a labor shortage.

In October, the college began offering its first dedicated intermediate-level EAL class, English for Employment, in Yorkton. Previously, only beginner and mixed beginner-intermediate classes were available.

Springford would eventually like to see an advanced English class made available to newcomers interested in pursuing post-secondary education, but so far, she says, demand hasn't been high enough.

"We would probably need 15 students to be able to start that kind of class in Yorkton."

English language training through Parkland College is available at no cost to immigrants 18 years and older who have been in Canada for less than five years. Most courses can be started at any time.