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
- FREE 10-week program for English language learners with intermediate and advanced level English skills
- Attend virtual classes twice a week on Zoom; morning and evening options available
- Participate in additional in-person classes on Fridays in Redmond or south Seattle
- Learning topics include resumes, job search, interviewing, and the U.S. workplace
- Program highlights: Students receive 1-on-1 career advice, write resumes, and practice job interviews with local employers
English for Work: Beginner English Level
Winter Quarter Classes: January 12 – March 19, 2026
Registration is open from November 1 – 30, 2025.
Students learn English letters and numbers, practice how to read and write in English and also learn words that are helpful for work and everyday life. Depending on what each student needs, they may stay in the program for three months to about one year.
English for Work: Intermediate and Advanced Level
Winter Quarter Classes: January 12 – March 19, 2026
Registration is open until December 1, 2025.
Students improve their English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while also learning how to set career goals, write a resume, search and apply for jobs, and do a job interview. The intermediate and advanced classes are for students who want to get a job in the U.S. or start job training or college within the next six months. Students take part in the class for one quarter, which is about three months.
Eligibility
To participate in the English for Work program, students must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Be an English language learner with beginning, intermediate, or advanced level English language skills (see the Guide for Identifying English Level.)
- 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 or east King County (for example, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland or Shoreline), Seattle, or a neighboring city such as Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Renton, Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila, Des Moines or White Center. Newly arrived refugees who live in these areas are welcome to apply for the program.
How to Learn More and Enroll
- Fill out the ‘Are Hopelink English Classes a Good Fit for Me’ application form to see if classes are right for you and to learn what to do next. This same form is used for both Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced English for work classes.
- Hopelink staff will contact you to schedule your orientation or provide information about other classes if English for Work isn’t the best class for you.
To apply to join an English for Work class you can fill out the online application 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.