WoodGreen offers English language classes, including sector-specific language training and employment-readiness support, as part of our Settlement Services for Newcomers and Refugees.
Quick facts
Service type: Newcomer
Eligibility: Newcomers to Canada (age 18+) and their families (IRCC eligible clients, Permanent Residents, Protected Persons and Convention Refugees)
Delivery: Currently, all English Language classes are being offered virtually and in person. This information will be updated once in-person programming resumes.
Fee: Free
Program dates: Year-round (closed August 1 – September 12)
Program description
WoodGreen offers several English language lesson options for newcomers. Beginner to advanced level classes run at various times, including evenings and weekends. English Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is designed to improve general English literacy and to help newcomers settle in Canada, expand employment opportunities and access government and community resources. We also provide child care during class and support with transportation expenses to in-person sessions. Qualified clients will receive English Language certification for their citizenship test.
Internationally Trained Professionals might qualify for Enhanced Language Training (ELT), which includes sector-specific English language lessons, career mentorship and targeted employment resources.
Find out which of WoodGreen’s English Language Services is right for you. Scroll down for more details about WoodGreen’s English Language Services.
Supporting resources
Language instruction for newcomers to Canada (LINC)
English LINC is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Taught by professional English language instructors, LINC classes are designed to improve basic English literacy and conversation skills for daily tasks like shopping, banking and talking with friends. We offer beginner to advanced level classes at multiple times, including evenings and weekends. Qualified clients will receive English Language certification for their citizenship test.
For additional questions, please contact us by email at: [email protected] or by phone at: 416-465-6185
For more details about LINC, including class schedules, download the PDF below.
Internationally Trained Professionals might qualify for ELT, offered in partnership with English Language and Employment Services at WoodGreen. This program offers streams for two sectors: Finance and Accounting (full time), and Office Administration/Customer Service (part time). Both programs include sessions on Canadian workplace culture and soft skills, career mentorship, access to additional online training and job search support. Certificates are awarded upon completion.
For additional questions, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at: 416-465-6185
For more details about ELT, including class schedules, download the PDF below.
Care for newcomer children is available for participating parents during LINC and ELT classes. Qualified Early Childhood Educators offer individual and interactive activities for children (19 months – 12 years), designed to develop literacy and communication skills. Currently, children’s activities are being offered online.
For additional questions, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at: 416-465-6185
For more details about care for newcomer children, including class schedules, download the PDF
below.
We work with immigrants and refugees to access affordable housing resources, employment opportunities and government services, including health care. We can also address questions regarding citizenship, permanent residency and work permits.
We work with Syrian newcomers, both individuals and families, to address their unique challenges as they settle in Canada. Services are offered in Arabic and English.
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The Youth Wellness Centre is a welcoming and inclusive space offering a range of services, including financial counselling, settlement programs, mental health support and access to community-based services to find supportive housing and employment opportunities.
Designed for youth who are new to Canada, this program offers recreational, skill-building and mental health services, working with young newcomers as they make friends and settle into their new home.
This 4-week training program supports older workers (45+) in building the skills needed to adapt to the fast pace of developments in technology and the changing world of work.
In partnership with George Brown College, this 11-week skills training program provides newcomers and jobseekers with an opportunity to start their skilled trades career in plumbing. Participants will have access to additional supports to assist them with their training throughout the program.
The Newcomer Women Entrepreneurship Program (NWEP) is a free online training program for English and Arabic-speaking women who are interested in learning and developing entrepreneurial skills to start a business.
The Newcomer Community Integration Program (NCIP) works to address barriers experienced by newcomer immigrants and refugees who identify as women. We help to improve access to supports and opportunities that foster social and economic integration.
Personalized Career Accelerator (for Newcomers to Canada)
The Personalized Career Accelerator program (formerly known as Mentoring Pathways to Employment) helps skilled newcomers to succeed in a Canadian job search and connects them with a mentor with shared experiences who can support their journey.
Our Diverse Workforce Advantage Program (formerly known as Employer Engagement for Immigrant Integration) can help your organization get a competitive edge in today's rapidly changing world of work. We can strengthen your workforce through training and access to a pipeline of skilled and experienced newcomer talent.
Older Workers’ Initiative (Ontario Works recipients only)
The Older Workers’ Initiative (OWI) aims to improve access to sustainable employment for job seekers aged 45 years or older who are on Ontario Works and have been unemployed for at least 1 year.
815 Danforth Ave. Toronto, ON M4J 1L2, and 1533 Victoria Park Ave. Toronto, ON M1L 2T3
The Youth Possibilities Project (YPP) is funded by Service Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. The program is open to youth aged 15 – 30 and offers 4 weeks of paid pre-employment training, followed by a 10-week paid job placement. With support from a job developer, participants explore their career options, secure a placement opportunity in their chosen field and gain valuable work experience and practical skills.
The Mentoring Partnership connects skilled immigrants with Canadian professionals in their field. Newcomers work with mentors to understand Canadian industry trends and the local labour market, develop more effective job search strategies and build their professional network.
Commitment required: 18 hours over three months (about 1.5 hours per week)
Better Jobs Ontario (formerly known as Second Career) provides unemployed individuals with financial support and skills training to secure in-demand jobs in their communities.
Delivered in partnership with George Brown College, this free training program is designed to prepare participants for entry-level work in the manufacturing sector. This program includes 14 weeks of CNC/Precision Machining training and employability skills training, as well as an 8-week paid job placement.
Building Code Skills Development for Internationally Trained Individuals
Delivered by George Brown College in partnership with WoodGreen, this 20-week skills-training program prepares internationally trained job seekers for the role of Building Official, working in the construction sector or public administration.
Industrial Mechanic Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship Program
This free program equips students with skills related to the millwright trade, which involves installing, maintaining, diagnosing and repairing industrial machines. Delivered by George Brown College in partnership with WoodGreen, the program includes trade readiness, employment preparation and academic upgrading.
