PICS has offered various language services over the years, including Punjabi and French classes. Currently, we are offering ELSA classes for adult newcomers. To qualify for these free services, you must be eligible. There are various levels of ELSA classes that you can be placed in and classes are offered on a full time or part time basis. While in classes, we allow students the option of placing their children in child minding so they are near by. This eliminates any obstacles that learners may have with regards to childcare.

 

In cooperation with Simon Fraser University, PICS has also started Advanced English for the Workplace, which is for unemployed trained professionals. Classes begin on February 1, 2010 at PICS. It is a free 13 week program that aims at giving skills and confidence required to succeed in the Canadian workplace.

 

 

English Language Services for Adults (ELSA)
 

ELSA stands for English Language Services for Adults. The ELSA program provides basic and intermediate level English training for adult newcomers to Canada. ELSA is government-funded and is free to students.

Students will learn English to help them with all their communication needs. They will learn about Canadian laws, health care, society, job market, and many things that are important for life in Canada. At the highest ELSA levels students can prepare for further studies in English or raise English levels to qualify for training for employment. To work in Canada in a chosen field or occupation, students may need to learn more English after the ELSA class ends.

 



Who is Eligible?


Newcomers to Canada, 17 years old or older, and approved for permanent residence are eligible to take ELSA classes. Canadian citizens and Refugee Claimants cannot take ELSA classes within Greater Vancouver and Greater Victoria Regional Districts, but they can take ELSA classes outside these areas.


Students must have at least one of the following documents: 
  • Permanent Resident Card and Number (PRC)
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (form IMM5292)
  • Record of Landing (form IMM1000 - issued prior to June 2002)
  • Visitor Record
  • Work Permit (Employment Authorization)
  • Study Permit (Student Authorization)
  • Temporary Resident Permit (Ministerial Permit) 
  • Notice of Decision from the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) confirming convention refugee (CR) status
  • Letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) giving approval to remain in Canada while application for permanent residence is being finalized (approval in principle)
  • Letter of Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

What are the ELSA levels?


ELSA goes from level 1 (Low Beginner) to level 5 (high intermediate). There is also a pre-beginner level (literacy). After students apply for ELSA, they will be given an appointment for an English assessment (test). The assessment office will decide their level. At levels 4 and 5, there are general ELSA classes and labour market preparation classes (Labour Market Focused ELSA) available: the assessment office can give students a brochure that explains these special classes.




Class schedule

Classes are offered Monday – Friday.
 

Part time classes

Morning – 9am to noon
Afternoon – 1pm to 4 pm
Evening – 6:30pm to 9:30 pm
 

Full time classes

9 am to 2:30 pm
 

Child minding


PICS offers child minding service through a full-time Certified Early Childhood Educator and a part-time Assistant. This program is able to assist parents who need extra support in order to attend ELSA classes and gain invaluable skills. Children in this program will be prepared for preschool or kindergarten. Through this enhanced child minding service, children will enjoy nutritious snacks and spend their time playing, coloring, writing, drawing and enjoying story time.

This service is for children from 10 months old to 6 years old. Hours are from 9am to 4pm; parents who are not in ELSA are welcome to drop their children off in this program for $15/day.

 

advanced english for the workplace


Advanced English for the Workplace is a free program which provides newcomers to Canada with the specific English language skills and cross-cultural competencies they require to succeed in a variety of employment settings, including management, business finance and administration, and the health professions. In addition, the program will build participants’ knowledge about and confidence in the area of Canadian culture and workplace expectations.
If you are a trained professional who is currently unemployed and in need of assistance improving your English language skils, then this program could help you gain the skills and confidence you need to succeed in the Canadian workplace.


ELIGIBILITY

  • You must be unemployed;
  • You must not be an Employment Insurance (EI) client;
  • All eligible individuals are encouraged to apply, especially women.

Program Details

The program is 20 hours per week for 13 weeks: Monday - Friday, 9.30 am to 2.30pm; start date on February 1st, 2010.
  • Tutoring and support in your job hunt is offered free of charge
  • Transit passes for travel to and from classes are provided
  • Student must have intermediate overall English Language Proficiency (CLBC 6 or above)
  • Free Child minding is available on site.
Registration deadline has passed but students are still being accepted to the waiting list.
Clients will be taken on a first come first serve basis.

For more information contact:
Jasleen Kalsi
Phone: 604 596 7722 ext 141
Email: jasleen.kalsi@pics.bc.ca