Is language getting in the way of clear communication in your workplace? Do you ever find yourself searching for the right way to say something? Designed to help members whose first language is not English, this course focuses on the ability to communicate confidently with managers, co-workers, patients, and patients’ families. Participants will learn to leverage the skills they already have to make themselves more clearly understood. Through small group activities, role play and video, participants learn key communication skills and practise them by acting out common workplace scenarios. Constructive feedback from peers and facilitators highlights common communication barriers as well as strategies to address them.
NOTE: This is not an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) course.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for this course you must:
- speak a language other than English as your first language.
- experience language-based communication issues at work.
- be employed as a BCNU member.
Course Format:
Three day in person course. Learners must attend all 3 days .
This event is salary replaced.
Please DO NOT apply for union leave until you receive a confirmation email.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Final approvals will be communicated approximately 1 week after this date.
When:
🏢In Person Live Session 1: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026
and
🏢In Person Live Session 2: Wednesday, November 4th, 2026
and
🏢In Person Live Session 3: Thursday, November 5th, 2026
09:00 - 17:00 daily
Where:
BCNU Burnaby Office
4060 Regent Street, Burnaby