Burnaby Neighbourhood House: 4460 Beresford Street, Burnaby, BC, V5H 0B8
Literacy Outreach Coordinator: 604-562-3447
literacynow@burnabynh.ca

Digital Literacy Programs

With so much of the world being driven by technology, digital literacy has become an essential skill no matter your age or occupation. If you are in need of everyday tech skills in Burnaby, there are many free and paid learning programs to choose from. This page aims to provide a complete list of all such programs in Burnaby.

This has been created in collaboration with the Burnaby Primary Care Networks. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Literacy Outreach Coordinator.

Burnaby Neighbourhood House

Burnaby Neighbourhood House is a community driven and community funded agency located on the unceded territories of the Tsleil-Wauthuth (səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ), Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷəƛ̓əm), Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw) and Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) nations with a unique focus on neighbours supporting neighbours

Programs:

  • A tutor assisted in-person workshop for people wanting to learn how to use email, search the internet, create files and documents or familiarize themselves with videoconferencing.
  • Free program available by drop-in for everyone.
  • South House Drop-In: Mondays 12-2pm, and Thursdays from 3-5pm.
    Address: 4460 Beresford St, Burnaby
    Phone: 604-396-7307
    email: literacy@burnabynh.ca
  • North House Drop-In: Mondays 10am-12pm.
    Address: 4908 Hastings St, Burnaby
    Phone: 604-294-5444
    email: northinfo@literacyburnaby
  • https://burnabynh.ca/get-involved_adult/

Burnaby Public Library

Burnaby Public Library empowers the community to engage with and share stories, ideas and information. Our vision is a welcoming community where all people can explore, learn and connect.

Programs:

Byrne Creek Community School

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY SCHOOL? A community school takes one of the largest and most under-utilized public facilities, the public school, and increases its investment by keeping it open evenings, weekends and during the summer for community activities.

Programs:

  • ADST 8/9
    Engineering & Design: Drafting 9 – 12
    Electronics & Robotics 9/10
    Robotics 11/12
    Electronics 11/12
    Jr. Metalwork 9/10
    Sr. Metalwork 11/12
    Jr. Woodwork 9/10
    Sr. Woodwork 11/12
    Power Technology 9/10
  • For high school students and youth
  • Register at: Technology Education Courses
  • Phone: 604-296-6885
  • https://byrnecreek.burnabyschools.ca/

ISSofBC

Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) provides a supportive environment for newcomers to Canada of all backgrounds. We are here to meet your settlement, English language and employment needs.

Programs:

  • Two-week online training on the basics of computer use, internet searching & other digital technology topics.
    • Introductory web design and development
    • Technical language skills to work in the digital industry
    • Job readiness and soft skills training
    • Connections to job shadow and tech volunteer opportunities
  • Free certified short-term skills training of your choice including:
    • Food Safe
    • First Aid
    • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
    • One-on-one support from staff & members
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • One is an immigrant, newcomer woman
    • Have an English level of CLB 5 (LINC 6) or higher
    • Have basic computer skills
    • Would like to take an individualized short-term course to be job-ready
  • Register through ISS Burnaby: settlement@issbc.org
  • Phone: 604-296-6885
  • 207-7355 Canada Way, Burnaby B.C., V3N 4Z6
  • https://issbc.org/contact
  • General technology mentoring by email, phone or Zoom. Can provide support in many different languages including: Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian, Punjabi, Hindi, Farsi-Dari, Serbo-Croatian, Tagalog & French.
  • For immigrants (non English speaking focused)
  • Register through ISS Burnaby: settlement@issbc.org
  • Phone: 604-296-6885
  • 207-7355 Canada Way, Burnaby B.C., V3N 4Z6
  • https://issbc.org/contact

MOSAIC

MOSAIC is one of the largest settlement non-profit organizations in Canada. We serve immigrant, refugee, migrant and mainstream communities in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley as well as throughout the province of BC and overseas via online programs.

Programs:

  • 1 on 1 tutors to help you with: creating online accounts (CRA, Service Canada, BCeID, BC Hydro, Fortis BC, Internet Company, Social Media, e-mail, LinkedIn, etc),
    Utilizing Microsoft Office, Zoom, Teams, and other apps, filing tax forms and other government forms, enrollment MSP, Pharmacare, Health Gateway, My Self Serve, etc.
  • Priority to permanent residents and protected people
  • Register through Digital Literacy 1:1 Tutorial
  • Contact
    Jaimie Lee (Phone: +1 236 818 5964 ; Email: jaimie.lee@mosaicbc.org)
    Minab Yetbarek (Phone: +1 604 653 6714 ; Email: myetbarek@mosaicbc.org)
  • https://www.mosaicbc.org/

Neil Squire Society

We use technology, knowledge and passion to empower Canadians with disabilities.

Programs:

  • Provides a starting point for adults with physical disabilities who want to develop basic computer skills. One-on-one computer tutoring, no cost to qualifying participants.
  • For adults with physical or sensory disabilities who want to improve their computer skills.
  • Register through Computer Comfort
  • Contact Patty Lavakittichaiyant 604-473-9363 | 1-877-673-4636 | info@neilsquire.ca
  • https://www.neilsquire.ca/
  • An online program that helps people with disabilities improve their digital literacy in order to join a job placement or readiness program, return to school, get a job, or just be more computer savvy.
  • For adults with physical or sensory disabilities who want to improve their computer skills.
  • Register through Digital Jumpstart
  • Contact Patty Lavakittichaiyant 604-473-9363 | 1-877-673-4636 | info@neilsquire.ca
  • https://www.neilsquire.ca/

New Westminster Public Library

The New Westminster Public Library (est. 1865) is B.C.’s oldest library and is home to an impressive collection of genealogical and local history resources.  Most resources do not circulate and are thus for in-library use only. A library card, driver’s license, or other ID may be required to use certain items.

Programs:

  • It all starts here! In this class we’ll introduce you to the most common parts of a computer and explain the basic premise of computing. No previous knowledge required.
  • To register, please see us in person or call us at 604-527-4665.
  • 716 6th Avenue
    New Westminster, BC
    V3M 2B3
  • https://www.nwpl.ca/

Vancouver Public Library

Vancouver Public Library has been dedicated to meeting the lifelong learning, reading and information needs of Vancouver residents for more than 100 years. Last year, VPL had nearly 6.5 million visits, with patrons borrowing nearly 9.5 million physical and digital items including books, ebooks, movies, music and magazines. Across 21 locations, VPL is the most-visited major urban library per capita in Canada.

Programs:

YWCA Techlink

Originally named the Young Women’s Christian Association, our founders were dedicated women concerned about the safety and wellbeing of young women new to the city.  Today, we have a much broader focus, but we’ve kept our name because it’s a part of our legacy. The YWCA today is inclusive and provides support regardless of religion, race, age or gender. 

Programs:

  • Free tech support over the phone and virtually for anyone in Metro Vancouver who finds themselves needing help with IT or tech. Staffed by residents of the Lower Mainland who have a background in technology and a desire to build their Canadian work experience, Tech Link will be able to help with general IT & tech-related queries – these can include questions about:
    • Setting up devices
    • Making video calls
    • Setting up email accounts
    • How to access government services
    • Accessing the internet
  • Book an appointment by calling 1-833-386-4129 or emailing help@techlink.ywcavan.org
  • https://ywcavan.org/techlink-support

Burnaby Community & Continuing Education

Since 1928, the Burnaby School District has offered Community & Continuing Education programs that evolve to meet the learning needs and interests of the community. Most of our students are from Burnaby but many come from all over Metro Vancouver.

Programs:

  • Learn how to use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access from beginner to intermediate levels.
  • Choose between in person courses and workshops
  • $100-$335 for courses; $65 for workshops
  • Register at Microsoft Office Courses
  • Phone: 604-296-6901
  • Learn keyboarding, using Windows, using the internet, using programs, accounting software, managing files. These course are components of the Administrative Assistant Certificate program.
  • Choose between in person courses and workshops
  • $100-$335 for courses; $65 for workshops
  • Register at Computer Courses
  • Phone: 604-296-6901

Mosaic

MOSAIC is one of the largest settlement non-profit organizations in Canada. We serve immigrant, refugee, migrant and mainstream communities in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley as well as throughout the province of BC and overseas via online programs.

Programs:

  • A week-long intensive computer basics course online or in-person (For example, using the keyboard and mouse, using the internet, saving documents). Days: Mon – Fri. Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Duration: 1 week (8.75 hours).
  • $292.50 (subsidies available to unemployed or underemployed residents of British Columbia eligible to work in BC)
  • Register at Workplace Essentials
  • Phone: 604-708-3905

Please feel free to browse through all of the options available in order to choose the services that best fit your needs. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.