Your communication skills and the CLB

Original image  by Zeinel.  CC0

Having good communication skills in English or French are crucial for newcomers. The following video will tell why this so and why “more English means more opportunities” for us.

It will also explain to you what a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is, what it is for, and how one is assessed for this benchmark. More importantly, the video will show you how English language trainings are conducted for newcomers, which classes are ideal to take, and where to go to take them.

A general overview of language training for Canada from the Citizen and Immigration Canada:

Community Resources

The CLB online language practice test mentioned in the first video may be accessed on this website: CLB-OSA Assess you Canadian English Online.

If you want to take your Canadian Language Benchmark assessment, you can go to WELARC (Winnipeg), Westman Immigrant Centre (Brandon) or Regional Connections (Winkler, Morden, Altona, and Dauphin). These agencies will also refer you to the appropriate language centres for the courses that you need.

Here are some of the language training programs available in Manitoba:

• No time nor means of transportation? See English Online’s flexible and self-directed English lessons.
• No babysitter? Mosaic Newcomer Family Resource Network provides language training and social networking for newcomer parents.
• The University of Winnipeg’s English for Specific Purposes (ESP) focuses on communication in specific disciplines.
• You can learn English used in the workplace at the Enhanced English Skills for Employment Program or at EDGE Skills Centre.
• The University of St. Boniface’s French for Immigrants has various levels of free French language programs for Manitoban immigrants.