Strong English language and communication skills are the secret to success for newcomers to Manitoba. Over the years since Manitoba became the first jurisdiction in Canada to establish a locally driven nominee program. The program selects economic immigrants needed in the labour market and in the community. Many thousands of skilled workers from all parts have the world have moved and settled in Manitoba. Past immigrants who easily and happily established themselves with their families as permanent residents inevitably say that the key to successful settlement was improving their English language and communication skills before they arrived in Manitoba. If you’re thinking of moving to Manitoba, good English communication skills mean better jobs, career advancement, and a comfortably and stress-free life for you and your children. The MPNP has provided some  in the Guides and Resources section of this website to help support your learning. What is job-ready English? All applicants tothe Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program must have job-ready English. For applicants who are not currently working in Manitoba in a job categorized as NOC 0, A or B in Canada’s National Occupation Classification, you are required to demonstrate your language proficiency by uploading in MPNP Online the results of an . Job-ready English means having sufficient English skills to perform your job in Manitoba. More than just “getting by,” good English communication skills – spoken and written – are the heart and soul of successful integration, in the workplace, at home, in school and in all of daily life in Manitoba. Employers do not ask job applicants for their Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), but the opportunities open to you will depend on (or your life path will be limited by) your level of English communication skills. Find out the classification of your occupation by looking up your job title using , being sure to also select your destination community in Manitoba. English is thelanguage of the workplace in Manitoba, Canada In Manitoba you are expected to find your own job. Manitoba offers programs and services – before and after you arrive – to help you make a personal action plan to empower you to succeed. You will need to learn: where to look for job openings how to assess whether you have the right skills and education to compete for a particular job how to apply for a job On the job in Manitoba, you need to understand the workplace health and safety guidelines, speak with colleagues, customers and supervisors, participate in meetings, and write reports and memos. Each of these tasks requires good English skills and an understanding of the communication terms used in your specific workplace. Find out the required, and recommended, English communication skills and/or CLB levels specific to your occupation by looking up your job title, with Manitoba as your destination, using Job Bank; there’s helpful information galore under the Education & Job Requirementstab. English is needed to participate in, and benefit from, the employment-readiness and settlement programs offered to New Manitobans Your English skills must be good enough to: participate in pre and post-arrival programs and services understand occupational licensing criteria and processes be successful in face-to-face job interviews where you must describe your skills write a standard (Canadian style) resume and cover letter in English to highlight your past education and work experience write exams or tests to prove you have the English proficiency required to do the job (where language requirements exist, such as is the case with regulated occupations such as carpenter, hairstylist and physician) Manitoba, along with the federal government and other provinces, use Canadian Language Benchmarks to measure the language proficiency of international clients, using a CLB scale for applicants and a similar, more formal, CLB scale for newcomers enrolled in English classes. The MPNPrecommends that skilled workers score at least CLB 4 on all bands their language test to apply. (Indeed, for lower-skilled applicants, there is a minimum standard set by the federal government.) And when you’re ready to become a citizen, your English proficiency again must be demonstrated. How your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) translates to your occupation and your job duties Note: This CLB for Employment summary is for illustration only and does not represent industry standards or take into account specific job screening criteria. Beginners: At CLB 1 – 3, domestic jobs are available to you – office cleaner with a supervisor who speaks the same first language as you, or a dishwasher or kitchen helper with someone on staff who speaks your first language. You may be able to get a job cleaning rooms at a hotel, or working at a bakery. Intermediate: At CLB 4, you may get a job such as a child care assistant or home care worker (working with the elderly) or as a hospital cleaner. AtCLB 5, jobs that may be open to you include counter help in a fast food restaurant, cashier, food server or assembly-line manufacturing. You need about CLB 6 to work in a retail position or as a security guard or bus driver. Advanced: At CLB 7, child care educator and health care aide positions may be available to you. At CLB 8, you should be able to compete for most professional jobs. Learn new skills to plan your career Often your technical skills will get you a job. However, good soft skills are needed to keep the job. Soft skills are inter-personal workplace skills such as getting along with others, fostering good relationships, “fitting in” and making people comfortable. Culturally appropriate English language usage will help you demonstrate good soft skills. The language used to persuade, disagree, interrupt and join in small talk, for example, can come across as angry, rude or awkward if you do not know English well. Your tone alone may convey the wrong message. There aredifferent meanings and nuances in English conversations that need to be understood as well. For many internationally educated skilled workers, tradespeople and professionals, feedback from supervisors may be not clear. Canadian managers can be seen as politically correct, and often try “to sandwich” negative comments between positive ones. They try to soften the remarks and provide criticism in an indirect polite way so if your English isn’t good you may miss the point of the conversation. Communication is very complex and only by being immersed in the local language and culture can one really begin to become aware of and understand all the important nuances. More reasons to improve your English before and after you move to Manitoba You have to have good observation skills to “pick up” the way people interact at various workplaces. You need English skills to obtain services (community, government and business services). The better your English language skills are, the faster you willbe able to settle, to establish yourself in the labour market and your family in the community. You need English language skills to register your children in school and to support them in their education. Your interactions with public and private services in person, on the phone or on line will be in English. English is used at stores, at banks, on the bus, in health care facilities, at the library, with a real estate agent, lawyer, counsellor or consultant, etc. English communication skills are needed to engage socially with others and participate in community activities. Neighbors, other newcomers, classmates, and colleagues are all eager to support you in settling and good English skills will ease your transition. Lifelong learning is an import Canadian value and your strong English skills makes joining sports, recreation and leisure activities or classes easier and will help you make new friends, as well as share your passions and hobbies with others. You need English languageskills to participate in civic processes, exercise your rights and fulfill you responsibilities under the Canadian laws, the roles of police and the justice system. Basic responsibilities, such as insuring your car and paying taxes require English language skills to fully understand the system. Through English media (TV, radio, newspapers, Internet) you can understand currents issues in the city, province and country. You can become involved in politics, community affairs and volunteerism. Words of advice for Manitoba-destined immigrants Assess your English competency by taking an IELTS test before you apply to the MPNP. Many people assume that they will be able to “get by” with the English they have or that they will “pick it up” quickly and easily. Some people overestimate their English abilities or underestimate the length of time and effort it takes to become communicative in English. It takes approximately 500 hours of full-time study to improve by one Canadian Language Benchmark.Some people do not realize how hard it can be to understand English speakers who have different dialects, speaking speeds, intonation patterns and word choices. Be realistic in your self assessment. Look at the CLB 8 competencies. These are the skills you will need to get a professional position in Manitoba.