Canada is faced with an aging workforce, and a shortage of skilled workers; we must look to our immigrant population to help build and strengthen our labor force. Consequently, as our workplaces become more diverse, employers are discovering they must provide new support services to these employees in order to ensure their success. Not only is the English language a challenge, but adapting to the new culture is an additional barrier to overcome.

Applied Language Associates is here to help speakers of English as a second language develop their language skills and cultural awareness so that they may be successful in their chosen careers and everyday life. An important step in this process is recognizing the unique needs of each learner, and designing a program that concentrates on problem areas, and the particular sets of skills needed for confident workplace communication.

Individual Programs -- Many speakers of English as a second language have chosen to gear their course of study at ALA directly to their career and education needs by attending weekly one-to-one sessions at our Oxford Street location. Class time and duration is entirely flexible, and so is the length and intensity of the program. Some students have a particular target date in mind, and choose to attend several personal sessions per week. Others may only visit weekly to maintain skills or develop proficiency over a longer period.

Group Classes -- Often, two or more members of the same work group may recognize a common need for a particular set of English communication skills. ALA is able to design a course of study that integrates the vocabulary and other requirements of a specific work or education environment, and use the interactivity of the small group class to great advantage.

On-site Classes -- Additionally, in cases where work schedules or class size make it more practical to study on-site, ALA can travel to the workplace and implement a program of English communication training in an available meeting room or similar location.