Service Update: Changes to Language Training and Employment Supports (2026–2029)

News

At World Skills Employment Centre, our priority is to deliver high-quality, responsive services that reflect the evolving needs of newcomers and the realities of the labour market.

As part of the 2026-2029 funding cycle, we are implementing several important changes to our programming. These adjustments are informed by funding updates, program performance data, and our ongoing commitment to ensuring that our services remain impactful, relevant, and accessible.

Changes to Workplace Language Training

After more than 15 years of delivering our Workplace Language Training (WLT) program, we will no longer be offering this program in its current format.

This decision follows changes in funding through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which no longer supports enhanced language training for clients at CLB 7 and above. As this has historically been the primary client group served at World Skills, we experienced a significant decline in registrations across all levels (CLB 3-6) following these changes.

Based on this trend, and in alignment with funder guidance to focus on program performance and efficiency, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue WLT courses.

We recognize the long-standing impact and strong reputation of this program, and this decision was not taken lightly.

What’s Next: New Language Support Options

While the format of language support is evolving, our commitment to supporting clients in strengthening their workplace communication skills remains unchanged.

For the year 2026-2027, we will offer:

  • Conversation Circles for clients with CLB 6 and above, focused on building confidence, fluency, and workplace communication
  • Self-Guided Learning Workshops for clients who prefer flexible learning options, Communication Beyond Language also includes a series of self-paced online workshops that can be completed independently.
  • Language Training Cohorts – Communication Beyond Language (approximately three per year), supported through funding from the RBC Foundation

Additional details regarding these cohorts will be shared once confirmed. These opportunities are expected to primarily serve clients at CLB 6 and above, in alignment with our client needs. For more information click here.

Changes to Resume Support Services

We will also be discontinuing our Resume Clinic activity buy will continue to offer resume support through our several programs and one/one employment counselling services.

In its place, we are reintroducing the Interview Roulette, an interactive activity that connects clients with volunteer interview coaches for real-time practice and feedback.

This shift reflects strong client demand and the value of hands-on interview preparation, while also creating meaningful opportunities for employer and community engagement.

Update on the Empowering Racialized Immigrant Women (ERNW) Program

Due to recent funding adjustments, the Empowering Racialized Immigrant Women (ERNW) program will operate at a reduced capacity, approximately 50% of its previous level.

Despite this change, ERNW remains a flagship program at World Skills. We continue to recognize the critical importance of gender-specific programming, particularly for racialized immigrant women, and remain committed to delivering impactful services within the available resources.

The Roadmap to Employment (RTE) program will also be offered at 50% capacity.

All Other Programs and Services Remain mostly Unchanged

We would like to reassure our clients, partners, and referral networks that all other World Skills programs and services will continue as usual.

This includes:

  • Job Search Workshop (JSW)
  • Career Access for Newcomers (CAN)
  • Employer-facing initiatives and networking opportunities
  • Employer Engagement services for our clients
  • Employment coaching and needs assessments
  • Credential Recognition Program (CRP) (delivered in partnership with sector organizations)
  • Health Employment Network (H.E.N.), in partnership with CCI Ottawa
  • IBM – SkillsBuild Project

These services remain central to our mandate and will continue to support newcomers in accessing and advancing in the Canadian labour market.

Looking Ahead

These changes will guide our service delivery from 2026 through the end of the current IRCC funding cycle in 2029.

As always, our focus remains on delivering services that:

  • Respond to client needs
  • Reflect labour market realities
  • Maximize impact and accessibility

We deeply value the support of our partners and referral networks, particularly those who have connected clients to our language training programs over the years. We will continue to share updates and opportunities for collaboration as new program details are confirmed.

Thank You

We extend our sincere appreciation to our community partners, funders, and clients for their continued trust and collaboration.

If you have any questions about these changes or would like to learn more about current services, please do not hesitate to contact us.