(June 28, 2010) – Lone Star Corporate College has partnered with the National Association of Manufacturing and Retention Education to produce an English language proficiency program to help boost literacy, educational attainment and career advancement among Texas’ Hispanic workforce.
This pilot program entitled “English for Manufacturing and the Skilled Trades” will bring together LSCC, local employers, the Manufacturing Institute and workforce investment boards to train 350 Hispanic workers in Advanced Manufacturing or Skilled Trades careers. Similar programs are also underway in Laredo and San Antonio.
“This English-language learning program is an important stepping stone into good careers in manufacturing,” said Connie Thomas, business training consultant at LSCC.
“Students of the program, having learned core effective communication skills, will be better positioned to pursue industry-recognized skills certifications,” Thomas said.
This pilot program in Houston, which is being conducted for employees of Gulf States Toyota, consists of an interactive technology-based curriculum derived from the innovative language learning program, “Sed de Saber,“ that was created with guidance from the manufacturing industry. The program assists participants with learning vital workplace skills such as understanding directions and health and safety measures, using proper manufacturing vocabulary, and reading and interpreting administrative forms.
Stephen Koszewski, LSCC account representative, will be serving as the case manager for the workers. Others who were key to organizing the “Sed de Saber” project for LSCS included Nadia Nazarenko, senior program manager, languages and ESOL, and David Lenzi, senior program manager, advanced manufacturing and apprenticeship.
“In order for U.S. manufacturers to stay competitive in today’s complex global economy, we must remain committed to developing the talent and skills of the manufacturing workforce,“ said Emily Stover DeRocco, president of the Manufacturing Institute. “Foundational skills such as English language communication and applied math and science are necessary for all careers in manufacturing.”
She pointed out that this initiative is operating at an opportune time in the Lone Star State, with Hispanics currently accounting for 32 percent of the Texas population. Hispanics will be the majority population in the next 10 years, she said.
“Advancing the educational and career opportunities of Hispanics will be critical to the future business success of manufacturers in Texas,” DeRocco said.
For more information, contact corporatecollege@lonestar.edu or call 281-296-7827.
Lone Star Corporate College, which is located at LSC-University Park on SH 249 and Louetta Road, strategically partners with organizations to assist with innovation and productivity, thereby adding profitability through investment in employee training and education.
The Manufacturing Institute is the 501 (c) (3) affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. As a non-partisan organization, the Institute is committed to delivering leading-edge information and services to the nation’s manufacturers. LSCS Chancellor Dr. Richard Carpenter is a charter member of the Institute’s Education Council.
With more than 62,000 students in credit classes in spring 2010, and a total enrollment of nearly 85,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the second largest and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. LSCS consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Park, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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