Hospitality workers in Golden and the surrounding area have a new opportunity to strengthen their workplace communication skills in the new year, thanks to a free online English program launching this January.
The English for Hospitality Workers course is being offered by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) through its Newcomer Services Program. The class is designed specifically for people working in restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality settings who want to feel more confident using English on the job.
The free program runs Tuesdays from January 13 to March 17, 2026, and is open to learners at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels 2 to 4. Classes will be held online via Zoom, making it accessible to participants across the region.
The course focuses on practical, day-to-day language skills that hospitality workers regularly need. Participants will learn how to communicate more effectively with co-workers and managers, handle conflicts or challenging situations with guests, and write professional emails, resumes, and cover letters.
Classes take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time, or 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mountain Time. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
Free Online CELPIP Preparation Classes
Residents planning to take the CELPIP English language test in 2026 have an opportunity to prepare at no cost through a new online class being offered this winter.
The free CELPIP preparation course is being delivered by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy through its Newcomer Services Program. The eight-week class is designed to help participants feel confident and prepared ahead of the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program test, which is often required for permanent residency, citizenship, or employment purposes.
Classes run Saturdays from January 17 to March 14, 2026, with no class scheduled on February 14. Sessions will be held online via Zoom, allowing participants to join from home.
The course focuses on building core test-related skills, including listening and speaking practice, improving reading and writing abilities, expanding CELPIP-related vocabulary, and gaining a clearer understanding of how the test works. The goal is to help participants approach the exam feeling informed, prepared, and less stressed.
Saturday classes take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time, or 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
Free Online English Classes Available for Newcomers This Winter
Newcomers to Canada have several opportunities to improve their English skills this winter through a series of free online classes being offered by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy as part of its Newcomer Services Program.
The online English classes run from January 12 to March 20, 2026, and are open to most newcomers to Canada. Classes are delivered via Zoom, allowing participants to join from home, and are designed to meet learners at different language levels, from beginners to more advanced English speakers.
A wide range of classes is available, including LINC Foundations, LINC Levels 1 through 8, and specialized options such as a writing-focused class and English conversation groups. Courses are offered throughout the week, during daytime and evening hours, making it easier for participants to find a class that fits their schedule. All class times are listed in Mountain Time.
The program is designed to help participants build practical English skills for everyday life, work, and community involvement. Learners can improve reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills while gaining confidence using English in real-world situations.
Space in the classes is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Anyone interested is invited to contact settlement worker Andrea Tucat to find out which class is the best fit for their language level and goals.
Anyone interested in registering or learning more can contact settlement worker Andrea Tucat by email at atucat@cbal.org or by text at 250-344-8392. Additional information is available at cbal.org.
The program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, with support from the Province of British Columbia and WelcomeBC.
