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Home Classes English as a Second Language (ESL) Vocational ESL (VESL)

Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL)

If you are interested in preparing for job training or getting a job, we have Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) classes at all Campuses.

  • Learn English, Math and basic computer skills needed to succeed in a job training program
  • Learn work-related vocabulary and phrases to excel on the job
  • Learn American English pronunciation
  • Practice job interviewing techniques

The Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) and Vocational Adult Basic Education (VABE) programs are designed to prepare non-native as well as native speakers of English to enter the vocational programs or entry-level jobs. The VESL/VABE classes emphasize the listening, speaking, reading, writing, and math skills necessary for successful entry into the vocational programs. Learn career-specific terminology to help you succeed in a vocational program or entry-level job.

VESL/ VABE Classes and Locations
Class Centre City Cesar Chavez ECC Mid-City North City West City
Auto Mechanics* X   X  X  X  
Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide* X   X X X  
Cosmetology X   X X X  
Family Day Care* X   X X X  
Food Service Worker X   X X X  
Housekeeping-Hotel/Motel X   X   X  
Office Skills* X   X X X  
Retail/Cashier X   X X X  
Welding* X   X      
* The asterisk indicates vocational training programs offered through San Diego Continuing Education.

All of the above courses are offered in the Vocational English as a Second Language and Vocational Adult Basic Education programs. The VESL/VABE programs are designed to prepare non-native as well as native speakers of English to enter the vocational programs or entry-level jobs. The VESL/VABE classes emphasize the listening, speaking, reading, writing, and math skills necessary for successful entry into the vocational programs. Learn career-specific terminology to help you succeed in a vocational program or entry-level job.

Class Descriptions

Automotive Technician

Auto mechanics need more skills now than ever before. Most new cars have computer chips and all kinds of new equipment. You need to be a good reader and have good communication skills. Do you want to be an auto mechanic but you're not sure about your English skills? Learn English for Automotive Technician in the VESL class and prepare yourself to be successful when you go to the Automotive Technician class.

Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide VESL

Improve your English for working in the health care field. After you complete the course requirements you can take the Nursing Assistant Training course and then take the State Certified Nursing Assistant examination to receive a CNA license. When you are licensed, you can work as a CNA in a nursing home or convalescent hospital. You can also take another short course for Home Health Aide if you want to assist someone who is sick in their home.

Cosmetology

Improve your English for working as a cosmetologist. The VESL cosmetology program will help you success in the Cosmetology course at City College.

Family Day Care

Do you like to work with children? Do you have a home where you could care for several children? This is a good way to work at home and be your own boss, but you have to get a license from the state to be a home day care provider. Learn the English to care for children, talk to the inspectors and receive the certification you need.

Food Service Worker

There are many jobs in restaurants and cafeterias in San Diego. Some students are preparing to work in a restaurant, and others are already working but want to improve their English in order to become a manager. This class will teach you the vocabulary for preparing food, handling food, and learning safety rules.

Housekeeping-Hotel/Motel

Learn the words you need to work in the Housekeeping department of a hotel or motel. If you are already working, improve your English to help you get a promotion.

Office Skills

If you want to work in an office, you need to have good speaking skills as well as good writing, spelling and grammar. When you complete the requirements for this class you can enroll in a Business Information Technology class to prepare for many different jobs such as receptionist, administrative assistant, accounting clerk and more.

Retail/Cashier

Do you want to work in a store selling items to customers? Then you need to have good speaking skills, and to know some math. The Retail VESL class will teach you the language you need to know to be successful in the field of retail.

Welding

If you need to improve your English before you go to the Welding class, come to the VESL class first and learn the vocabulary and language you need to be successful in the Welding class, and on the job. You will learn the vocabulary you need to talk about several different kinds of welding, and for reading blueprints.