Train for a new career
A new career can mean learning new skills in a VIU program.
Pathways is for anyone who needs to take Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses to get into VIU programs.
How Pathways works
You tell us what VIU program you want to take, and we help you make it happen. We set you up with:
- custom ABE or ESL course work
- free personalized support
- community and networking
If you're a newcomer to Canada interested in learning more about working in the trades, you're a good fit for Trades Pathways for Newcomers to Canada.
Course work
Your ABE or ESL course work will relate to the program you want to take. If you want to take nursing, you’ll learn language related to nursing. And you’ll do math problems that you might have to do in the nursing field.
Support
A Pathways coordinator will help you:
- stay on track
- work with a Student Success Advisor to plan your course schedule
- find other supports if you need them
"Pathways is especially good for people like me who have a lot of anxiety about returning to school. I got a lot out of the program, personally and professionally. It’s made a world of difference! You need to share this experience with people because it’s a really great service and program."
Robin Ebert
Community
You will join a group of students who are planning to take the same program as you. You can help each other study and support each other on your career path.
You also meet people working in the field you want to enter. They can give you tips about the career you’re working toward.
New! Trades Pathways for Newcomers to Canada
Want to improve your English language skills and learn about trades programs? Trades Pathways for Newcomers helps you prepare for work in Canada’s trades sector. You’ll gain skills to succeed in the Canadian workplace, get hands-on experience, and learn how to apply to VIU Trades programs.
Who can take Trades Pathways for Newcomers?
To take this program you must be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident, refugee or CUAET status.
Trades Pathway for Newcomers is a 15-week program. Each week you do 15 hours of course work.
Sign up for Trades Pathways for Newcomers to Canada
"In a lot of ways university can be overwhelming and feel daunting. And there isn't just one person or one place that you can go for help. Every service or department has a different person you have to connect in order to get the help that you need. And having to do this over and over again can really become really stressful. Pathways and Roberta has given me a place to go where I can get some support in all of those areas."
Kylie Fraser
Questions?
Email pathways@viu.ca