English for Work
English for Work is a free, quarter-long program for immigrants and refugees to improve their English language skills and prepare for employment in the United States.
About English for Work
Students practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing while learning about topics such as skills and strengths, job search, resumes, interviewing, and the U.S. workplace. Students receive 1 on 1 career advising, write resumes, and participate in mock interviews conducted by local employers.
About Summer English for Work Foundations
We are offering a 6-week “English for Work Foundations” class designed to prepare intermediate level students for our 10-week English for Work class in fall quarter. Students who enroll in summer quarter should plan to continue taking class in fall quarter.
English for Work Foundations is best for students who:
- want to review basic grammar and vocabulary related to identifying skills and strengths, job trends, and career planning
- want an introduction to job interview skills
- do not have a resume in English yet
- need to develop basic computer skills
Program highlights: Receive individualized support; gain confidence speaking in English; learn language skills, vocabulary, and technology skills essential for success in the fall program.
Eligibility
To participate in the English for Work program, students must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Plan to get a job in the U.S. or enroll in job training/college to prepare to get a job within the next 6 months.
- Not have a B-1, B-2, F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa.
- Live in north and east King County (for example, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Shoreline) or in Seattle. Newly arrived refugees living in surrounding areas are welcome to apply for the program.
How to Learn More and Enroll
- Complete the ‘Is English for Work a Good Fit for Me’ application between May 19 – June 25, 2025
- Hopelink staff will contact you to schedule your orientation (times & locations below) or provide information about other classes if we feel English for Work Foundations isn’t the best class for you.
- Orientation sessions will be held on: June 26 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Redmond Hopelink), June 27 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Seattle - Rainier Beach Branch), and July 1 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Kent Library).
- Attend classes three times per week between July 14 – August 22; online or hybrid options available:
- Class option 1: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Zoom.
- Class option 2: Tuesdays, Thursdays, 2-4 p.m. at the Rainier Beach Branch and Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m. on Zoom
To apply to join an English for Work class you can fill out the online interest form, contact Hopelink by phone at 425-250-3007, or email englishforwork@hopelink.org.
Ready to Work
Ready to Work is a class for adult ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students who want to improve their English and job skills, and who are currently looking for a job. Low-income adults who live in Seattle and are eligible to work can register for this class. This program is funded by the City of Seattle.