Occupation-specific Language Training (OSLT)

Are you new to Canada? Do you want to communicate better at work?

Discover how Occupation-specific Language Training (OSLT) can help you improve your communication and language skills for the Canadian workplace.

On this page:

Read an OSLT success story
English language studies

About OSLT

OSLT is FREE work-oriented language training (140 hours) to help newcomers to Canada improve their workplace communication skills. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and in partnership with Colleges Ontario, Georgian continues to provide information on pathways to employment and further education and training.

If you’re internationally trained or have experience in the fields of business or information technology but are experiencing communication barriers in the workplace, OSLT can help!

How can OSLT help me?

OSLT courses can help you develop the language and communication skills necessary to:

  • understand the workplace culture in your occupation or sector
  • interact clearly and effectively with clients, co-workers and supervisors
  • communicate effectively via email and telephone
  • develop interview and networking skills

Who is eligible?

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Permanent resident or protected person; NOT a Canadian citizen
  • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of six in at least one skill area
  • Relevant training/education or experience in the specific field

All Ukrainian temporary residents and their dependents in Canada who meet the above requirements are deemed eligible persons.

Note: You do NOT need to be employed to be eligible.

OSLT courses

Workplace Communication Skills for Business – Online modules

Georgian College Occupation-specific Language Training offers three six-week Workplace Communication Skills for Business modules between Fall 2024 and Winter 2025. Although each online module can be taken as a standalone, completing all three is equivalent to a full classroom-based OSLT course.

Accessing the Business Job Market in Ontario

  • Sept. 15 to Oct. 26, 2024
  • One-hour classes Saturday mornings, 9 to 10 a.m. via Zoom
  • See the flyer for more information

Communicating in the Business Sector in Ontario

  • Oct. 27 to Dec. 7, 2024
  • One-hour classes Saturday mornings, 9 to 10 a.m. via Zoom
  • See the flyer for more information

Managing Workplace Interactions in Ontario

  • Jan. 12 to Feb. 22, 2025
  • One-hour classes Saturday mornings, 9 to 10 a.m. via Zoom
  • See the flyer for more information

To register for these FREE modules, email oslt@georgiancollege.ca or call 705.722.5168.

Professional Managers

This program will help you to:

  • increase your confidence in using English when interacting with colleagues, clients, supervisors and other stakeholders
  • improve your job interviewing and networking skills
  • connect with employers, industry associations and employment resources
  • understand business and tech workplaces in Ontario

This part-time course is for you if:

  • you have training or experience as a manager in business or technology environments
  • your English is at an intermediate level (Canadian Language Benchmark 6 to 8)
  • you are a permanent resident of Canada or protected person
Learn MORE. New to Canada? Workplace Communication Skills for Professional Managers. FREE program.

When and where

  • Oct. 15, 2024, to March 13, 2025 (no class the weeks of Dec. 22 and 29)
  • 140 hours of virtual blended delivery (3 ½ hours of class time and 3 ½ hours of individual study per week)
  • Classes Tuesday and Thursday evenings via Zoom
See the OSLT Professional Managers flyer
Julia Rokhina
Through this OSLT course, I’ve earned more than just knowledge. I attained a sense of community, a sense of belonging.

In class, I met professionals from all around the world, who were also navigating their new life in Ontario. Some already had their careers on track and wanted to upgrade their communication skills, others were still looking for a job that would fit their experience, and there were even several entrepreneurs among us who were already creating or planning to create new jobs here in Ontario. It was both a pleasure and an honour for me as a newcomer to participate in classes with such a brilliant and diverse audience.

Since March, I’ve started two bridging programs with Ryerson University, which I should finish by October. I got my first Canadian job last month. I’m sure the start that OSLT for Professional Managers at Georgian College gives would provide a lot of opportunities for many more professionals who chose Ontario as their new home.—Julia Rokhina (Read more about Julia’s OSLT success story)

Contact us

Have questions? Need more information?

For more information about OSLT or booking a CLB assessment, please contact us.