English As A Second Language Classes Planned For South Huron This Winter

by Bob Montgomery

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes will be offered this winter to people wishing to improve their speaking, listening, and reading skills in southern Huron County. 

Classes will take place on Saturdays in Dashwood. There's no cost to participants and they provide people who are learning English with an opportunity to improve their skills with guidance from an ESL instructor and curriculum developed by Set7 Skills and Technology. Set7 has offered English language classes to newcomers to Canada in Listowel and Palmerston for the past two years.

Training Coordinator Erin Bewick says Set7 is a program that is run by the municipality of North Perth. “We're based in the Listowel and Atwood area and we run training programs ranging from compliance certification to working at heights, in confined spaces, safe food handling as well as some trades-based training courses and the English classes that we offer.” They started offering the courses because it was clear that the current demand was exceeding the availability for newcomers in the area who want to learn English.

There are two classes offered based on a person's current level of English, beginner level 0-2 and level 2-3 focused on English in the workplace and course workbooks and supplies will be provided. Bewick says Set7’s ESL classes have been highly beneficial to new residents in North Perth and they're excited to continue to grow and partner with their neighbouring municipalities and counties.

The English language classes are funded in partnership by the Huron County Economic Development Board and the Municipality of South Huron.

“We are fortunate to have many workers come to our community who help businesses succeed. When there are opportunities for people to improve their English language skills, they can contribute more to their work environment and to the community. It also gives all of us an opportunity to learn from each other,” said South Huron Mayor George Finch.

The classes mark the return of in-person English as a Second Language classes in Huron County after a nearly two-year absence of in-person programming. Currently, the Centre for Employment and Learning offers online English language classes for immigrants who live in Huron County. People interested in signing up can visit Set7’s website.