The Framework is an open-source online tool, a 360° View of Communicative Competence at Work. Designed by the Ontario Government the framework is a resource for foreign trained professionals to provide strategies, approaches, and areas for language development that support intercultural workplace communication. The tool does not come with a teacher's guide or classroom activities, but it can serve as a starting point for classroom conversations and independent study. The tool also includes a video and downloadable pdf.
The Can Do Statements for Employment are intended for immigrants seeking employment, employment counsellors, and employers. The Can Do Statements are based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB); they have been simplified and given a narrower focus to support their use in an employment context. The statements cover CLB levels 4–10, and offer an overview of each level from a workplace perspective. They provide examples of English-language tasks in a variety of workplace-related contexts:
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These seven workbooks in this series were developed to introduce learners to the Essential Skills required by all workers in Canada. The Essential Skills have been aligned to the CLBs. The workbooks will introduce instructors to the Essential Skills and they could be used as workbooks for later stage 2 learners.
The focus of this resource is to build awareness and improve intercultural communication in culturally diverse work environments. It is intended for foreign-trained professionals, but will also be a useful resource for their Canadian counterparts and for the professional development of ESL instructors.
The resource has four parts: a series of 19 short (2-minute) videos, supported by an activity guide, a booklet of scene-by-scene breakdowns for the videos to give context to each scene, and a guide containing the full transcripts of each video.
The scenarios in the videos are based on the lived experiences of newcomers. (The resource is not referenced to the CLBs, but the language is at an intermediate/advanced level.) The videos present authentic challenges in intercultural communication in a workplace setting: refusing to shake hands, failing to understand the unwritten rules in a meeting, not communicating problems to a supervisor, having a difficult conversation about uncomfortable behaviours.
The resource aims to increase intercultural awareness and competency, build and practice workplace skills and appropriate language. The aim is to enhance the employability of newcomers, give them the tools to navigate communication differences in multicultural settings, not only to enter the labour market but also to maintain employment.
This is a 240-page e-book that provides lessons in reading, document use and math. The lessons are built on real-life examples and follow four individuals in different workplaces in Ontario. The organization and layout is appealing to a reader. The four individuals work in four different jobs. Instructors and students can decide which worker to learn about. There are self-assessments as well as critical thinking questions embedded in the modules.
These online activities focus on English vocabulary and grammar exercises for the hospitality industry in the categories of food & beverage, hotel, travel/tourism, politeness training. While individual files are free to download, there is a fee option that allows you to download a topic file.
This resource includes vocabulary and contextual information for occupations, including airline, hotel, food & beverage, nursing, police, cashiers, tour guides, taxi. Some audio available.
This is a 240-page e-book that provides lessons in reading, document use and math. The lessons are built on real-life examples and follow four individuals in the workplace in Ontario. The organization and layout is appealing to a reader. The four individuals work in four different jobs. Instructors and students can decide which worker to learn about. There is self-assessment as well as critical thinking questions embedded in the modules.
This online textbook is geared towards CLB 5–6 learners. It is designed to be used by an instructor or tutor. An instructor guide is provided. The focus is on the Canadian workplace: workplace culture, development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, plus Essential Skills and intercultural competence.
The text introduces two characters, a Strategy Coach and a Workplace Mentor. The Strategy Coach provides strategies to develop language skills. The Workplace Mentor introduces learners to general workplace culture in Canada.
- Video tasks and focus questions help learners develop “noticing skills” and prompt discussions about similarities and differences between the learner’s home culture and Canadian culture.
- Reading sections provide reading passages, pre- and post-reading activities. There is also a reading progress check for self-assessment.
- Each listening section has two listening texts with pre- and post-listening activities, and a listening progress check for practice and self-assessment.
- A writing section with pre-writing tasks, writing practice and a progress check. A rubric is included that generally aligns with CLBs.
- A speaking section contains pronunciation, speaking practice and a progress check. A rubric is included.
- Wrap-up includes discussion, reflection and extension tasks. The extension activities have vocabulary log activities, community tasks and research opportunities.
Alberta Learning Information Services (ALIS) has occupational videos available. The videos have information related to career planning, education, jobs and the workplace. It could be used for listening activities or independent learning.
There is a workbook and an online course for newcomers hoping to find a job in food processing occupations. The course provides instruction in job skills, job-specific language, vocabulary and pronunciation, Canadian workplace culture, workplace documents, and health and safety. This is a joint-project of the Alberta government and Alberta Workforce Essential Skills (AWES); it is open to all newcomers to Canada.
This resource was developed to help instructors/trainers with the language and strategies to help newcomers approach employment opportunities in Canada. You will need to "Add to Cart" in order to download. The PDF will be emailed to you.
Alberta LINC 5 Curriculum Linking Canadian Language Benchmarks to Essential Skills with an Implementation Guide for Instructors. Resource from 2008.
OLAs were developed for the tourism sector through the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks. They align a benchmark with an Essential Skills Profile and National Occupational Standard.
Downloadable OLAs include:
- Bartender
- Event coordinator
- Food service counter attendant
- Food beverage server
- Counsellor
This link provides access to academic resources for both teachers and students including grammar practice, workplace writing, and information on academic integrity. Recommended for CLB 6+.
