Holland College’s Language Training program has partnered with the Business Administration, Tourism and Travel Management, and Sport and Leisure Management programs at the college to provide newcomers with information about business practices in Canada, and, more specifically, in P.E.I.

Instructors from these programs, all of which have business components,  are delivering a series of information sessions on topics such as marketing and advertising, financial statements, employment standards, and Canadian workplace culture.

Many newcomers to Prince Edward Island will start their own businesses, buy a business, or make a significant investment in an established Island business. Along with their language training, the students wanted instruction in Canadian business practices. Many of them were experienced business people in their own countries, but feel they lack the necessary expertise to navigate the Canadian business scene.

“It is vital that the Holland College Language Training program evolves according to the needs of the students. Partnering with the college’s Business, Tourism, and Sport and Leisure programs made sense, and enables us to provide relevant information to these, the newest members of our business community,” said Lornie Hughes, program manager responsible for Language Training.

All of the students welcome the opportunity to spend time with industry experts discussing the many topics essential to their successful transition into the Prince Edward Island business community. Angela Li, a student in the Language Training program, said the information is invaluable to people moving here from different countries and markedly different cultures, regardless of whether they intend to enter the business world.

“This partnership is very important for newcomers, especially people involved in PNP programs. Some of them will invest in businesses on PEI. With more knowledge about business matters like marketing and advertising, they will have more opportunities to succeed in their businesses. Other people, like me, want to go to college, so it is useful to meet with some of the instructors and test our English skills,” she said.

Tim McRoberts, program manager for the participating programs, said the endeavour has been mutually beneficial.

“The faculty are saying how much they are enjoying the experience. We are excited to continue building this partnership, because it demonstrates the empowering and energizing nature of learning,” he said.

Holland College offers evening classes in English as an Additional Language; and day classes for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada, Enhanced Employability Essential Language Skills, English for Academic Purposes, and English Language Training for Hospitality to approximately 500 students annually.

In this picture: Holland College Business instructor Jennifer Lawton, left, discusses Canadian marketing practises with language student Angela Li and Shawn MacDonald, an instructor in the Language Training program.