English for Careers Information
VCC is committed to helping internationally educated immigrants who need to upgrade their English language skills to advance in their profession or to take career training programs.
The Professional and Career English Department (PACE) at VCC offers ESL courses within a Professional Context. There are three main areas of course/program offerings:
- English for Professional Advancement (EPA)
- Courses for Career Preparation and Advancement:
- English for Health Sciences 1
- English for Health Sciences 2
- Communications for Engineers and Technologists (CET)
- CELBAN Preparation Course
- Combined Skills:
- Baking and Pastry Arts-ESL
- Cooking-ESL
- Health Care Assistant-ESL
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English for Professional Advancement (EPA)
English for Professional Advancement is a multi-level program. The focus is on language and socio-cultural competencies required for success as a professional in the Canadian workplace. EPA is a flexible, individualized program incorporating seminars in speaking and Writing, with Reading and Listening offered as online courses. Individual tutorials with an instructor are also available weekly. EPA may be taken full-time or part time. You can attend in the day or evening.
What are the Admission Requirements?
1) Completion of VCC Lower Advanced English or equivalent
2) Canadian Language Benchmarks 6- 8
Other Recommendations:
Computer Skills:
In order to be successful in this class you need to be able to:
- Create and edit a document
- Attach a file to an email
- Upload and download files
- Type at a minimum of 15 words per minute
How do I register for this course?
Students must attend an Information Session in order to register for the EPA program. Information sessions are offered every Monday at 1:00 pm and Wednesday at 5:00 pm in Room 235 at the Downtown Campus.
Fees and Other Costs (for Landed Immigrants and Canadian Citizens)
For two months part time: $308.46
For two months full time: $616.96May be required to pay application fee and a College Initiative Fee
Books and Supplies:
Students will be expected to purchase books which could cost anywhere from $45 to $200 depending on the courses and if the student is full time or part time.- Fees are approximate and subject to change without notice.
Courses for Career Preparation and Advancement
English for Health Sciences 1
This 16 week full time course is designed for ESL learners at CLB 6 who have career goals in health care but who need to improve their fluency, clear speech, self-confidence and listening skills, and expand their vocabulary. This course focuses on the language skills needed for those currently employed in Health Sciences programs or for entry into English for Health Sciences 2. Students successfully completing English for Health Sciences 1 are recognized as meeting the English requirement for entry to Health Sciences 2. For more information phone: 604.443.8608
Admission Requirements:
Canadian Language Benchmarks:
- Speaking:6
- Listening: 6
- Reading: 6
- Writing: 5 (proposed change to 6)
or ELS Upper Advanced, with a pass in all 4 skills
or Completion of Level 1 English for Professional Advancement (EPA)
or English Language Assessment (ELA) score: 105/200 (minimum of 14/30 on composition)
Other Recommendations:
Computer Skills:
In order to be successful in this class you need to be able to:
- Create and edit a document
- Attach a file to an email
- Upload and download files
- Type at a minimum of 15 words per minute
When is this course offered?
- January
- September
Fees and Other Costs (for Landed Immigrants and Canadian Citizens)
Tuition: $1,098.67
May be required to pay application fee and a College Initiative FeeBooks and Supplies:
Students will be expected to purchase books which could cost anywhere from $45 to $150
Fees are approximate and subject to change without notice.How do I register for this course?
If you meet the language prerequisites and other recommendations then you can apply directly with Admissions. You may be put on a wait list if the course is full.
English for Health Sciences 2
This 16 week full time course is designed for ESL learners at CLB 7 who have career goals in health care but who need to improve their fluency, clear speech, self-confidence and listening skills, and expand their vocabulary. This course focuses on the language skills needed for VCC's Health Sciences programs. Students successfully completing English for Health Sciences 2 are recognized as having met the language requirement for entry to Health Sciences programs at VCC. For more information phone 604.443.8608
Admission Requirements:
Successful completion of English for Health Sciences 1
or Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment
- Speaking:7
- Listening: 7
- Reading: 7
- Writing: 6
or CPE 098 with a B average, plus a B in the final test for Oral Skills
or Completion of Level 3 English for Professional Advancement (EPA)
or English Language Assessment (ELA) with a minimum score of 130/200 and 26/30 in speaking and 24/30 in listening
Other Recommendations:
Computer Skills:
In order to be successful in this class you need to be able to:
- Create and edit a document
- Attach a file to an email
- Upload and download files
- Type at a minimum of 15 words per minute
When is this course offered?
- May
- September
Fees and Other Costs (for Landed Immigrants and Canadian Citizens)
Tuition: $1,098.67
May be required to pay application fee and a College Initiative FeeBooks and Supplies:
Students will be expected to purchase books which could cost anywhere from $45 to $150
Fees are approximate and subject to change without notice.How do I register for this course?
If you meet the language prerequisites and other recommendations then you can apply directly with Admissions. You may be put on a wait list if the course is full.
TopCommunication for Engineering and Technology
This part time course is designed to improve the functional language of English as a Second Language Learners who have been educated internationally for a variety of occupations in engineering and technology. The emphasis of the course is on improving speaking and listening skills while expanding the vocabulary, socio-cultural competency and knowledge of the Canadian engineering and technology field. Upon completion of this course students may choose to continue to upgrade their communications skills continue in the English for Professional Advancement program (EPA)
Requirements: Completion of Upper Advanced or equivalent OR, completion of English Language Assessment with an overall score of 105/200 and a minimum 23 in Speaking, OR Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 7 OR, Department Approval
When is this offered?
- January
- April
- September
Fees and Other Costs (for Landed Immigrants and Canadian Citizens)
Tuition: $470.94
May be required to pay application fee and a College Initiative FeeFees are approximate and subject to change without notice.
How do I register for this course?
For more information or to register for this course you need to contact the PACE Department at 604-443-8608 or send an email to englishforcareers@vcc.ca
TopCELBAN Test Prep
CELBAN Test Prep is a part time short test preparation course for those internationally educated nurses, who are applying for licensure either to the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC (CLPNBC) or to the College of Registered Nurses of BC (CRNBC) and who are required to demonstrate English language proficiency before entry to practice in the Canadian workplace.
Entry Requirements:
Canada Language Benchmark: 7 (6 in writing) or with recommendation of the Department Head.
Fees and Other Costs (for Landed Immigrants and Canadian Citizens)
Tuition: $161
May be required to pay application fee and a College Initiative FeeFees are approximate and subject to change without notice.
When is this course offered?
- April
- August
- November
How do I register for this course?
For more information or to register for this course you need to contact the PACE Department at 604-443-8608 or send an email to englishforcareers@vcc.ca
Combined Skills Courses
Combined Skills combine English language support with skills training: Combined skills are available in the following areas:
- Baking and Pastry Arts-ESL
- Cooking-ESL
- Health Care Assistant-ESL
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Baking and Pastry Arts - ESL
This program is fully recognized by the Industry Training Authority where students earn apprenticeship qualifications in addition to a VCC credential, and is designed to prepare graduates for positions in the baking industry. This program is team taught by both Baking and Pastry Arts and ESL instructors. English as a Second Language instruction develops vocabulary particular in the trade which is reinforced in the classroom. Students must successfully complete each level before progressing to the next level. Upon completion students can enrol in either the Advanced Baking or Patisserie Specialty.Entrance Requirements:
1) Applicants must have completed Grade 10 in their own country
2) Proof of completion of VCC Lower Intermediate English or equivalent which includes a Canadian Language Benchmark of Listening 5, Speaking 5, Reading 5, and Writing 4How do I apply for this program?
First step, complete a VCC application. Students who have officially applied and met all admission requirements are sent a letter of acceptance approximately four to five months in advance of the next available start date. A first payment is required to reserve a space in the program.
For more information go to Hospitality.
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Cooking - ESL
Fully recognized by the Industry Training Authority, students earn apprenticeship qualifications in addition to a VCC credential. This program is designed for second language speakers who wish to receive practical training in Cooking Level 1. Ten months in length, it also includes ESL training in communication skills for the hospitality industry as well as technical vocabulary. This program is team taught by a Culinary Arts and ESL instructor. Upon completion students can enroll in Level 2.
Entry Requirements:
1) Applicants must have completed Grade 10 in their own country
2) Proof of completion of VCC Lower Intermediate English which includes a Canadian Language Benchmark of Listening 5, Speaking 5, Reading 5, and Writing 4. Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basisHow do I register for this course?
The first step, complete a VCC application. Students who have officially applied and met all admission requirements are sent a letter of acceptance approximately four to five months in advance of the next available start date. A first payment is required to reserve a space in the program.
For more information go to Cooking - ESL.
TopHealth Care Assistant - ESL
The Health Care Assistant - ESL Program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function effectively as frontline care-givers and respected members of the healthcare team, in community and facility settings. Under the direction and supervision of a health professional, graduates provide person-centred care aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of clients/residents.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to work in any level of continuing care, including: home support, adult day care, assisted living, and complex care (including special care units).Entrance Requirements:
1) Grade 10 graduation or equivalent
2) Proof of completion of VCC Upper Intermediate English or equivalent which includes a Canadian Language Benchmark of Listening 6, Speaking 5, Reading 6, and Writing 5Upon Acceptance:
3) Proof of a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray.
4) Criminal Record SearchSeats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis
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How do I apply for this program?
The first step is to complete a VCC application. Students who have officially applied and met all admission requirements are sent a letter of acceptance approximately four to five months in advance of the next available start date. A first payment is required to reserve a space in the program.
For more information go to Health Care Assistant - ESL.
