English for Employees

Free English classes for employees (including apprentices and self-employed people) who are New Zealand citizens or residents.

For people with a job
Communicate well at work
Understand Kiwi workplace culture
Reading, writing and numeracy for work

Learn English for work

Communicate confidently at work and open doors to new opportunities.

Learn practical English that will help you succeed at work and understand Kiwi workplace culture and language.

You will learn how to:

  • Describe your work and your job.
  • Write emails, letters and reports in workplace-specific language.
  • Communicate confidently in social situations at work.
  • Read and understand health and safety information.  
  • Understand and perform calculations with numbers.
  • Complete forms accurately with your personal details.
  • Understand the similarities and differences between workplaces in New Zealand and in other countries.

Learn with experienced and qualified teachers

NZQA has ranked us as a “Category 1” provider.  All our teachers have teaching qualifications and teaching experience.  
Some teachers have been with us over 20 years.

Flexible class times so you can fit learning around work

We offer classes during the daytime, evening and at weekends.
Most people are in class between 2.5 and 4 hours per week.
You can study for more than 4 hours per week if it fits your schedule.

Join a small friendly group

Our classes are small.
You'll make new friends and get to know everyone in your class.

Learn in the classroom, online or at your workplace

We’ll help you find the class that works best for you.

Learn online

Our online programme runs for 12-15 weeks and includes 2 hours of class time plus 30 mins of self-study each week.
We have classes available now.  Register now and if you are eligible, you can start English classes within the next few weeks.

Learn in the classroom

We have 21 language centres and over 100 community venues around New Zealand.  Our classes are small and friendly.  

Learn at your workplace

If at least 4 - 6 of your colleagues want to learn English we can talk to your employer about teaching the class at your workplace.

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What our learners say

The class is really good for me. I can talk more. I am a little bit more confident.

Chaolan

Being confident in English is essential for business owners. Reading and writing are important skills for handling communications with suppliers.

Dawit

What I enjoy most about my English classes is enhancing my communication skills, expanding my knowledge, and feeling confident enough to make mistakes.

Maria

Paying the programme fee is an investment, because ultimately, we’ll benefit too.

David Phillips – Steelfort Engineering

LEARNER

I’ve seen quick progress. Not only have they quickly gained a better understanding of the language, but also about how and why we do things the way we do them.

Aaron Jeffares – Farm manager – Moondance Farms

LEARNER

One of the major hurdles to overcome was just teaching the shy workers to speak out when they don’t understand.

Sharon FultonBevers – Thermakraft

LEARNER

Our managers say they are seeing better outcomes when staff are talking to customers and working through issues with their peers. There’s more clarity around communication and people are more relaxed.

Abi Buckell – Organisation Development Advisor – WEL Networks

LEARNER

Their English has improved and I think they’re more outgoing for it. We get fewer errors between what was asked and what happens. So it’s helpful.

Nigel Maxey – Fielden Metalworks

LEARNER

The outcome for the factory has been superb. We have been very pleased with the support we received from ELPNZ. They worked hard to deliver the outcome, and they were extremely willing to be part of the project to help our employees become a success in this work opportunity.

Geoff Lewis – Tender Tips

LEARNER

The class is really good for me. I can talk more. I am a little bit more confident.

Chaolan

Learner

Being confident in English is essential for business owners. Reading and writing are important skills for handling communications with suppliers.

Dawit

Learner

What I enjoy most about my English classes is enhancing my communication skills, expanding my knowledge, and feeling confident enough to make mistakes.

Maria

Learner

I have more conversations with my boss now and I use more vocabulary now. I am more confident.

Trang

Learner

Before I felt more embarrassed and shy because of my pronunciation. I feel more confident now speaking to customers. I can speak faster now.

Nancy

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.

Teddy Bangilinan

Learner

Come see us

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

Contact Us