SPELL
SPELL
(Sector Partnerships for Enhanced Language Learning)
Discover an enriched online learning experience tailored to enhance English workplace communication, available province-wide through partnerships with organizations and companies. Our diverse clientele spans long-term care, food processing, manufacturing, construction, hospitality sectors, home care, and security services with a primary focus on elevating communication skills within the Canadian context. There is no cost for these classes thanks to the generous funding from Labour, Skills and Immigration from the Nova Scotia Government.
In June 2025, Customer Service Communication classes were launched for those working in public facing roles. A general workplace English communication curriculum is available for beginners to advanced levels. Specialty curriculum is provided for students in long-term care and home care. And Leadership Communication classes are offered for those in leadership roles or working towards a management position.
This comprehensive online 20-week program hones speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills that are specifically geared towards the workplace, aligning with the Canadian Language Benchmarks. Through dynamic elements such as role-play, class discussions, breakout room interactions, and individual assignments, participants sharpen their essential communication abilities. The program aims to instill confidence, fluency, and an acute awareness of both verbal and non-verbal Canadian communication practices.
In addition, students are provided with extra support for grammar, writing, pronunciation, speaking, and preparing for IELTS and CELPIP exams.
Who Can Apply?
1. Canadian citizens born outside Canada.
2. Individuals awaiting statutory checks: Individuals from all immigration categories except Nova Scotia Nominees, who have been selected, in Canada or overseas, to become permanent residents and intend to settle in Nova Scotia, pending completion of medical, security and criminal verifications, and who have been informed by a letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
3. Nova Scotia Nominees: foreign nationals and their dependents who have been nominated under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program but have not yet received Permanent Resident status.
4. Permanent Residents of Canada other than:
a) Permanent Residents of Canada – Nova Scotia Nominees
b) Permanent Residents of Canada – Refugees
5. Permanent Residents of Canada – Nova Scotia Nominees: foreign nationals and their dependents who have been nominated under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program and have become Permanent Residents.
6. Permanent Residents of Canada – Refugees: Convention refugees and protected persons overseas who have been selected for resettlement in Canada by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and have obtained Permanent Resident status
7. PR Applicants with Work Permit: individuals (and their dependents) who have submitted an application for Permanent Resident status to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program or to Citizenship and Immigration Canada and intend to settle in Nova Scotia.
Refugee claimants and off-campus work permit holders (i.e. full-time international students enrolled in post-secondary studies with a valid off-campus work permit) are excluded and hence, ineligible.
8. International post-secondary graduates (and their dependents) who have graduated from university or college in Canada and who are living in Nova Scotia and intend to settle in this province.
9. Protected Persons: as defined in Section 95 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
10. Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) Applicants and their immediate dependents who have been designated by IPG.
Barbara Thompson
SPELL Program Coordinator
YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
104-7071 Bayers Rd, Halifax, NS B3L 2C2
Tel: 902-222-4222
Our SPELL partnerships continue to expand, currently encompassing sectors in long-term care, home care, food processing, hospitality, construction, security, and manufacturing.
Join us in transforming workplace communication skills and fostering professional growth.