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 Class Schedule

VESL/ VABE Classes and Locations
Class	Centre City	Cesar Chavez	ECC	Mid-City	North City
Appliance & Refrigeration Repair*	X
Auto Mechanics*	X	X	X
Building Services/ Custodial	X	X	X		X
Business Information Technology*	X	X	X	X	X
Certified Nursing Asst./ Home Health Aide*	X	X	X	X	X
Cosmetology	X	X	X	X	X
Electronic Tester*	X
Family Day Care*	X	X	X	X	X
Food Service Worker	X	X	X	X	X
Hospitality	X	X	X	X
Housekeeping-Hotel/ Motel	X	X	X		X
Machine Shop*	X
Office Systems with Computers	X	X	X	X	X
Retailing	X	X	X	X	X
Welding*	X		X
Workplace Readiness	X	X	X	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

Appliance & Refrigeration Repair VESL

Learn the English you need to be successful in the Appliance and Refrigeration class. This is a good trade to have because appliances always need to be repaired. If you know the English to be successful in the vocational class, it will help you in looking for a job too.

Automotive Technician VESL

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.

Building Services/Custodial VESL

Learn the language of building maintenance before you go to apply for a job. You will be able to explain all the different tasks that a custodian performs and talk about your experience and knowledge in this field.

Business Information Technology VESL

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.

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.

Electronic Tester VESL

Electronic Test Technicians test electronic equipment to make sure it is working correctly. In the Electronic Test Technician class you learn about electricity and digital technology. You will need to understand vocabulary and concepts related to electronics, and you can learn these by taking the Electronic Tester modules in the VESL class.

Family Day Care VESL

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 VESL

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. "See the Culinary Arts program.

Hospitality VESL

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

Housekeeping-Hotel/Motel VESL

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.

Machine Shop VESL

Machinists make plastic and metal parts. They operate different machines and it's important for your safety to understand English well. You can prepare for the Machine Shop class by coming to the VESL class first, where you will learn the vocabulary and grammar you need to be successful in the Machine Shop class.

Retailing VESL

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 VESL

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.

Workplace Readiness VESL

These lessons will teach you how to find the job you want, how to be successful in an interview, what you need to know to be successful on any job, including skills like being part of a team, giving and accepting suggestions, and asking questions when you don't know what to do.

Classes