WORKPLACE EDUCATION

Workplace English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and Cultural Diversity for Chicago area businesses

JVS' Workplace Education Department offers innovative, customized, on-site training to meet the job related needs of Illinois businesses and agencies employing a variety of immigrant production staff and professionals. We improve skills such as basic ESL, pronunciation (accent), business writing and cross-cultural communication. A menu describing our competency-based educational training includes:

Our workplace ESL classes have been successfully implemented for a wide range of clients: Walgreen Co.; Sunstone, Inc.; Mellon Financial Services; Rubicon Technology; S & C Electric; Freedman Seating; Amtrak; INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service); and the North Suburban Library Association.

THE FIVE-STEP PROCESS

Needs Analysis
Our staff observes and interviews management, supervisors and employees. We observe the work environment and learn your specialized business language and work culture. We determine communication deficiencies and cultural diversity issues.

Assessment
We assess individual employee's general English comprehension and usage and other applicable skills. Standardized or customized tests are administered. Instructors are certified in standardized skills testing.

Curriculum Development
We design a customized curriculum based upon the Needs Analysis. The curriculum, organized according to communication and cultural diversity objectives, includes job-specific vocabulary, methodology, materials and teaching strategies.

Instruction and Accountability
Qualified, expert instructors implement the course/workshop and adapt the curriculum as needed. Status reports are made to management to keep communication lines open and ensure that goals are being met.

Evaluation
JVS provides a final summary and interpretation of course achievement results. This includes pre and post-testing and follow-up interviews to guarantee long-term satisfaction.

Each element of the process can be provided separately.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY, EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND LISTENING SKILLS

Cultural Diversity
During the past 19 years, JVS has provided English language instruction to more than 18,000 immigrants from all over the word. Consequently, JVS has acquired an abundance of knowledge about foreign cultures and customs, and can provide classroom exercises, education and information about these cultures. Training includes working to identify and overcome cultural barriers in order to communicate effectively. Participants develop insight and the tools to understand and improve their interaction.

Effective Communication
Barriers exist in our environments that prevent good communication. The goal of this course is finding out what it takes to communicate clearly, in part by cutting through those barriers.

Listening Skills
One of the most used of all communication skills is listening, but it is also the skill that least taught. JVS provides instruction in active listening, hearing and relating to those with limited-English or other barriers to understanding, and controlling "hot button" expressions.

BASIC ENGLISH COMMUNICATION SKILLS PROGRAMS

ESL Courses for Production Staff

Basic English Language Training in American English is specific to the language of your work-site.

Workplace Basic Communication Skills reduces errors in written reports, company forms and verbal communication.

New Hire Basic Skills Orientation teaches competencies and attitudes necessary for learning your company's processes and procedures.

Management and Professional Seminars

Communication and Cultural Awareness Training provides diversity and inter-cultural communication training at all employee levels.

Mentoring Skills Training assists you in new hire orientation, leadership and cross-training programs and diversity issues.

English Language Training for Business Professionals

Effective Speaking Training focuses on each individual's pronunciation and accent for effective delivery of presentations, participation in meetings and communication with co-workers.

Idioms and Expressions Classes give participants the ability to use and understand common language that is often not part of traditional ESL materials.

Business Writing Classes train participants to produce professional and accurate e-mails, memo and reports.

ABOUT JVS

For more than a century, JVS has been a resource for immigrants to secure jobs. For the past 19 years, JVS has provided a Vocational English Program for the community in conjunction with the City Colleges of Chicago, and specifically, Truman College's Adult Education Program. Courses have been developed and taught by staff to more than 18,000 refugees since its inception. JVS works with the Illinois Community College Board and the Secretary of State Literacy Department to serve adult learners from Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

OUR INSTRUCTORS

JVS instructors are highly experienced in work-site training and are available to do concurrent management, supervisor and professional training. Each member of the Workplace Education team has either a related Ph.D., Master's or Bachelor's degree and at least five years of Vocational ESL experience with refugee and immigrant adult learners. Their background consists of both classroom and workplace instruction.

"The instructors understand the stress for me to learn as an adult. They break it down so I can succeed." M.K., Production Employee.

THE JVS ADVANTAGE

A well-trained workforce can be developed at a surprisingly moderate cost, enhancing your productivity, staff interaction and bottom line. We will work with you to access state funds that are available for Workplace Education. For more information call (312) 907-0079 or e-mail info@workplace-ed.com.