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News/Media

For Immediate Release

April 23, 2008

The Centre's ESL at Work Program Featured as Part of
Minister's Announcement

Burlington, ON: The Centre for Skills Development & Training’s ESL at Work program was in the spotlight on Tuesday morning as the Province of Ontario announced the renewal of funding to Specialized Language Training programs across the province. The announcement was held at Aya Kitchens and Baths in Mississauga, where The Centre currently runs a program for cabinetry workers wishing to improve their English abilities.

“This initiative gives newcomers the language skills they need to land jobs and excel in the workplace,” said Michael Chan, Ontario Minster of Citizenship and Immigration. The government is investing $3.4 million over two years for job-specific language training across fifteen school boards across Ontario. As an affiliate of the Halton District School Board, The Centre is able to continue offering the ESL at Work program to employers in Hamilton-Wentworth, Halton and Peel regions.

Dave Marcus, owner of Aya Kitchens, is a big believer in helping his employees succeed. “ESL at Work fits my requirements beautifully,” he says. “It increases productivity for my company but offers great opportunities for employees who are having trouble communicating in English.”

Seven to ten students meet after work with instructor, Brian Porter, to improve their listening, reading, writing, and pronunciation skills. Using stories, music, videos, the Internet, and other media, Porter encourages his students to learn about Canadian culture as well as the language. He also interweaves Aya Kitchens terminology into the lessons to make it relevant to their everyday work. One of his students, Ling Liang, says that through these classes, she has more confidence and ability to improve.

The Centre’s ESL at Work program is a joint program between Corporate Development Services and the Languages department. It is funded by the Government of Ontario and offers free on-site classes to employers who wish to offer employees interested in learning English the opportunity to gain confidence at work and become more proficient at their jobs.

For more information on the ESL at Work program, call Deb Dennison, Corporate Services Manager, call 905-333-3499, ext. 147 or visit www.thecentre.on.ca.

The Centre for Skills Development & Training is a leading provider of quality career and workforce development programs, products and services specializing in Pre-Apprenticeship Trades and Technology, Career Planning and Development and Language Skills and Academic Upgrading.