Learn English for work

Free English classes for jobseekers and employees who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

English for job seekers

This class is for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who are job hunting. The course covers kiwi workplace culture and language.  

You will learn how to

  • Approach employers
  • Write a CV
  • Speak at a job interview

English for employees

This class is for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who are working.  The course covers kiwi workplace culture and language.  

You will learn how to

  • Communicate with your colleagues
  • Say and write numbers in English
  • Talk about health and safety at work and read safety signs

FAQs

Can I learn English online with English Language Partners?

You can learn online if:

  • you live in New Zealand
  • are a resident or citizen of New Zealand
  • speak English as a second language
  • are 16 years or older and not attending school
  • we have a course that meets your needs

We will talk to you about the courses available.

You cannot learn online if you are on a temporary visa such as a:

  • Working holiday visa
  • Visitor/tourist visa
  • Student visa

How long are courses?

Our courses vary in length. It depends on the course. Many are 8 weeks, others can vary between 2 and 18 weeks long.

How much does it cost?

Our online courses are free to residents and citizens.

Can I study after work?

Yes. We have courses for people who work during the day and want to study in the evening.

What will I learn?

You will learn the English you need to live independently in New Zealand. Our courses help people with daily life, finding work, and future study. We will help you communicate in Kiwi English. You can also learn about Kiwi culture.

Can I study for the IELTS test?

Yes. In some centres. We sometimes offer online IELTS classes too.

What level are classes?

All levels. Courses are from beginner to advanced levels. We assess your level before placing you in a course. If a course at your level is not immediately available, we will place you on a class waitlist.

Can I study grammar?

Yes. Some courses have a specific grammar focus. Other courses include grammar as part of the course content.

How many hours each week are courses?

Most of our courses are part-time. Some are two hours each week, other courses are longer – up to 10 hours. You can join more than one class.

My computer system isn’t very good – can I join?

You need a reliable internet connection, a camera and a microphone.

Can I learn English with English Language Partners?

You can learn English if you:

The manager will talk to you about the programmes available.

How much does it cost?

Many of our programmes are free. There is a small cost for some of our classes.If you are a PELT student, your class course cost and admin fee will be deducted from the money you pre-paid Immigration New Zealand for English lessons (PELT).  Ask at your English Language Partners’ centre.

What will I learn?

You will learn the English you need to live independently in New Zealand. Our programmes help people with daily life, to find work and to communicate well in a Kiwi workplace. You can also learn about Kiwi culture.

What will I learn?

You will learn the English that is used in New Zealand workplaces. You will also learn about Kiwi workplace culture and helpful information about employment in New Zealand.

English for Job Seekers Focus on finding work in New Zealand. Learn how to approach employers and tailor your CV for specific job applications. Prepare and practise for job interviews and develop your professional networking skills

English for Employees Learn English to communicate well in your job and work safely. You can also learn about cultural issues and expectations of the Kiwi workplace.

How long are courses?

English for Job Seekers is a 48-hour course. It is 12 hours per week for four weeks.

English for Employees is a 45-hour course. It is a part-time course,  with flexible hours (2-4 hours per week, often outside working hours, unless during work time is appropriate)

When are classes held?

Classes are held at different times to suit learners. Evening and weekend classes available in some centres. Contact your local centre to find the best times for you.

How much does the course cost?

English for Job Seekers There may be a small fee (ask your centre)

English for Employees Courses are free, but you must be a citizen or resident with a job.

Who will teach me?

English for Migrants teachers are qualified ESOL teachers.

ESOL home tutors are trained volunteers who are fluent in English.

How long will I have a tutor?

English for Migrants You can study for as long as you have tuition money
available. We recommend that your first contract is for a minimum
of 26 hours.

ESOL Home Tutoring Your tutor will teach you for six months. After six months, if a tutor is available, you can have more lessons. Some learners have another tutor. Some learners continue with the same tutor.

When are lessons?

English for Migrants You can decide lesson times with your tutor. This is usually from 1.5 to 2 hours and most students have two lessons each week.

ESOL Home Tutoring Lessons are for one hour each week with your tutor. The time will suit you and your tutor.

How much will it cost?

English for Migrants costs $100.00 per hour (incl. GST).
There is also an administration fee for each contract (check with your centre).

ESOL Home Tutoring is free for citizens and residents.

What will I learn?

Tell your tutor what you want to learn. They will make a programme with you. Lessons are designed to help you with everyday life and work in New Zealand.

For example, things like getting a driver’s licence or making an appointment to see the doctor. You can also learn about your town or city and about ‘Kiwi’ culture.

The tutor will bring teaching resources to the lesson.

Can I join the NZCEL class?

Adults who have New Zealand residency or citizenship can join our NZCEL course.

What will I learn?

NZCEL courses focus on real-life tasks where you can develop your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. You will learn and practise essential vocabulary and grammar and gain skills for living and working independently in New Zealand.

How do I join the NZCEL class?

You will need to have an interview with a staff member and sit a placement assessment to make sure NZCEL is the right option for you.

What is an NZQA qualification?

What does it lead to?

Our NZCEL graduates have gone on to study English at higher levels. Some go into Level 3 courses in subjects like cooking and automotive engineering.

NZCEL is also a pathway into work. Our graduates are employed in retail, administration and hospitality roles.

How much does it cost?

Our NZCEL courses are free.

What does the English for Migrants programme cost?

You may have already paid for lessons if you paid PELT money to Immigration New Zealand, usually before coming to New Zealand.

The English for Migrants programme fees come out of your ‘balance of entitlement’. Your balance of entitlement depends on what your level of English was at time of your visa application and how much money you paid to Immigration New Zealand.

English Language Partners can confirm your balance of entitlement by contacting the TEC on your behalf. You must provide us your name, date of birth and passport number.

We offer two EFM programmes:

  1. Learn one-to-one with a teacher We match you with a teacher and you have individual lessons - usually at home.  This costs $105.00 per hour (incl. GST)  There is an administration fee of $105.00 for  the first contract and $63.00 for a second (or any extra) contract (Incl. GST)
  2. Join one of our classes This costs $29.00 per hour (incl. GST)  There is an administration fee of $105.00 for the first contract and $63.00 for a second (or any extra) contract (Incl. GST)

There is no extra charge for teaching material that the teacher provides, but if you want to study from special books you will need to pay for them.

Lessons start on the day you meet your new teacher.

Who can study?

We teach adults who have pre-purchased English lessons. 

We cannot teach young people attending high school. 

How long can I study for?

You can study with a teacher as long as you have money available at the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). They hold your money for you. 

Who teaches me?

All our teachers have a professional teaching qualification.

What happens when you enrol?

Our national office checks how much money the Tertiary Education Commission holds for you. 

The English for Migrants programme manager in your area contacts you.

The manager finds a teacher for you and introduces you to this teacher. You decide together when and where you will study.

What will I learn?

Your teacher will work with you to design language lessons
to suit your needs and goals.

The teacher can help you with any aspect of English, including Kiwi expressions and grammar.

Your lessons can include practical tasks such as working towards getting a driver’s licence or making appointments.

Your teacher uses resources from the local English Language Partners’ centre, which include listening resources, books, pictures
and worksheets.

Come see us

We have 21 centres nationwide. Get in touch for a friendly chat.
We would love to talk to you!

Like us to contact you?
Give us your details and we
will be in touch

Contact us to join our work related classes

Testimonials from our

workplace learners

Teddy Bangilinan

LEARNER

In the Philippines, speaking English is a mix. Sometimes we use ‘Taglish’, Tagalog and English. It’s our normal way of life. That’s why most Filipinos can some speak English, but if you live in an English-speaking country, you need to improve it.

Hardy Hko

LEARNER

I got a good chance to learn English because I had workmates and I asked them to teach me, and they were good Kiwis and happy to teach me. We would speak together at lunchtime and go to the shops together and after a year, my English had improved.

Re Ber Paw Sein

LEARNER

Before you helped me get this job, it was like all the doors were locked and everything was in darkness, and now it is like the lights are all on and I can go in.

Laura Aguero Cendak

LEARNER

Look what I have done. I have travelled 10,000 kilometres to start a new life. If I can do that, I can do anything.

Teddy Bangilinan

LEARNER

In the Philippines, speaking English is a mix. Sometimes we use ‘Taglish’, Tagalog and English. It’s our normal way of life. That’s why most Filipinos can some speak English, but if you live in an English-speaking country, you need to improve it.

Hardy Hko

LEARNER

I got a good chance to learn English because I had workmates and I asked them to teach me, and they were good Kiwis and happy to teach me. We would speak together at lunchtime and go to the shops together and after a year, my English had improved.

Re Ber Paw Sein

LEARNER

Before you helped me get this job, it was like all the doors were locked and everything was in darkness, and now it is like the lights are all on and I can go in.

Laura Aguero Cendak

LEARNER

Look what I have done. I have travelled 10,000 kilometres to start a new life. If I can do that, I can do anything.

Linda Lam

LEARNER

We all live in a global village, and education plays an important part. People have always accepted my 'Chinglish' but the improvement [in my English] over the past year has amazed even me.

Related articles

24.11.22

Confidence boost through workplace English course

21.11.22

‘Can do’ approach lands Mayu a great job