Learning language in the workplace

Abstract

Within the United States there is a growing number of non-native English speaking adults who are currently employed or seeking employment in a variety of settings. Many of these adults are limited in their English language proficiency, which poses a problem for both employees who need the appropriate language skills to succeed in the workplace and employers who want to hire employees who will be able to navigate the demands of the workplace. This paper outlines the development of a curriculum intended for use with non-native English speaking adults, who are currently employed or seeking employment at a manufacturing company. The primary purpose of this curriculum project was to develop a curriculum to improve the safety vocabulary and basic English communication skills of Spanish speaking adults who are seeking employment or who are currently employed at a manufacturing company.