Newcomers to Saskatchewan wishing to learn English can now do so from the comfort of their own home and at no cost to them.

Great Plains College has entered into an agreement with the federal government and The Center for Education and Training (TCET) to manage this essential service in the province as Keleah Ostrander, Director of Adult Basic Education and Learner Services with the college explained:

"Great Plains College will be coordinating for the province of Saskatchewan the language instruction for newcomers to Canada program and it will see about 175 learners from across the province be able to take language training on-line."

The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and will seek to assist newcomers with English language training in the social, cultural and economic areas of education.

Previously, Saskatchewan learner's online language experience was managed and instructed by TCET staff in Ontario however, with the new agreement in place, the college will manage all of the provincial referrals and match those individuals to qualified Saskatchewan instructors.

According to Ostrander, the employment rate of language training instructors was previously low.

"Traditionally, language training instructors have been underemployed because a lot of the classes throughout the regional college system are part-time. So now that they can supplement the part-time in-class work with online delivery they will get closer to fuller employment."

Ostrander also believes that Saskatchewan students will benefit from having an instructor who understands their rural context.

Those interested in enrolling in the program are asked to contact the college at 306-773-1531