ESL pilot program an overwhelming success for new Canadian learners
Many learners come to InceptionU with the same goal - to develop skills and land a meaningful job in tech. For new Canadians, this process can be even more challenging, particularly if English is not their primary language.
They may have a great resume and significant work experience, yet they are often missing command of the English language and relevant Canadian work experience
As part of our focus to fully support people in their career transitions, InceptionU offered an optional ESL pilot project, tailored for those interested in enhancing their language skills, alongside Cohort 1 of the Tech Adjacent Program. This was a distinct and voluntary option separate from the core program which offers multiple pathways into tech careers.
Many new Canadians will take online classes and join conversation groups to improve their English skills, yet can still lack the fluency of being able to speak in public and express themselves effectively.
That was the case for one learner, Juan*, who had been practicing English for two years and decided he needed to take the next step, even though it terrified him.
“I thought about sending an application for a long time and one night I decided and submitted an application,” he says. “I realized that breaking down the walls that contained my English language skills and dreams of a successful career in Canada required immediate action. The Tech Adjacent program was that action for me and started me on the path to professional and personal growth.”
The language support was offered by a professional ESL instructor and included one-on-one and group sessions to complement their learning pathways.
These were not traditional English language classes that focused on grammar and vocabulary but were conversation-focused sessions that strengthened the learners’ abilities allowing them to have academic success and, therefore, increased employment opportunities.
For example, they worked on keywords and phrases that are culturally relevant to their type of work environment or job search. One learner struggled with words that begin with the prefix “pro” such as project and proposal. These are keywords in the tech ecosystem, especially for a software developer or tech project manager.
They also practiced interview skills and common interview questions to ensure they put their best foot forward for all job opportunities that came their way.
Another key area they worked on was presenting to a group. It can be intimidating for anyone, even more so when you’re speaking in a language other than your first, be it your second, third or beyond. This helped the learners prepare for their Demo Day presentations where they presented group work to the class and their instructors.
After five weeks of classes, the learners who took advantage of the program overwhelmingly rated it a success.
“The instructor was extremely flexible in accommodating my needs and showed great empathy in understanding our struggles as newcomers. Her support and encouragement have made a huge difference in my learning journey,” says Maria*.
Another reported an improvement in her confidence level, moving from a self-reported English proficiency level of 5 to an 8.
“In the beginning I felt very alone, no one could figure out why I wasn’t talking. Then, after taking the ESL classes, I started to engage in discussion and even made friends,” says Adaku*. “I hope to start a part-time social media marketing position very soon.”
Navigating career changes may feel daunting, especially if you’re not confident in your English proficiency. However, as demonstrated in this pilot project, additional assistance can have a significant impact.
With one-to-one support, dedication, and lots of practice, you can be that much closer to landing your dream role in tech.
You can inquire about ESL support by emailing us at info@inceptionu.com or please make note of your request when submitting your application.
*names changed for privacy reasons
