This section provides examples of sector council work in language assessment and training for newcomers. It also provides links to useful resources that can help you advance work in this area in your sector.
Sector council work
Language Benchmarking Study (Engineers)
This project was initiated as a follow-up on a recommendation issuing from a project led by Engineers Canada, From Consideration to Integration. The project aims to develop and set a language standard to ensure International Engineering Graduates have the appropriate level of English or French proficiency to navigate through the licensing process. The implementation of this recommendation started with a language benchmarking project run by the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, with APEGGA (the engineering licensing body in Alberta), and Engineers Canada representation on the steering committee. The next step for the project is to develop an engineer-specific language benchmark test and to investigate the implementation of the benchmark in the other jurisdictions.
Second Language Training Services and Programs in Canada
This online sourcebook developed by the Canadian Plastics Sector Council lists federally and provincially sponsored second language training programs for workers who are newcomers to Canada.
Other resources
Canadian Language Benchmarks' Essential Skills Website
This web site provides information that can help sector councils, industry organizations, and workplaces to define occupational language requirements and to provide appropriate language training or development opportunities.
Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN)
This is an assessment tool designed to assess the English language proficiency of internationally-educated nurses who are applying for licensure in the nursing profession in Canada.