With funding from the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), workplace literacy programs have been improving communication skills and building confidence for English Language learners at two area businesses. Foreign-born employees of Comfortex and Blasch Precision Ceramics participate in two to three lessons per week before or after shift, or during a scheduled break. Our skilled and highly dedicated volunteer instructors use a team-tutoring approach to provide lessons that help workers to retain employment and to succeed in their jobs.
Highlights for the 2011-2012 Program Year:
A total of 4 groups met at 2 workplaces, serving more than 16 students between September 21, 2011 and June 30, 2012.
At least 70% of the students were able to make educational gain while retaining employment and improving their ability to communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and managers.
Blasch Second Shift students were able to receive technology-based instruction with the use of a new computer and power point projector. Lessons were presented using power point software.
Blasch First Shift students were able to use web-based resources and instructional tools including News For You Online and USA Learns.
With the assistance of LVORC instructors, two of the students became naturalized U.S. Citizens during the program year.
One of the students participated in his first public speaking experience at LVORC’s Authors’ Night in October, 2011.
Four of the students had their work published in In Their Own Words: Student &Tutor Stories 2012.
One of the students has been accepted into post-secondary education (Schenectady County Community College.)