In the globalized labor market, skills gaps between industry expectations and university preparation are becoming more prevalent. English communication skills (ECS) are vital soft skills in all workplaces, particularly in international business, where English is commonly used as a lingua franca. This case study examined the nexus between academia…

This article describes an innovative workplace English initiative that aims to improve access to English language instruction for immigrant workers. Developed by the National Immigration Forum, Skills and Opportunity for the New American Workforce (SONAW) is a first-of-its-kind, blended training program comprising 40% face-to-face instruction and…

This paper emphasises on the needs analysis for the development of Technical Communication Pedagogical Module (TCPM) which could be adopted by the lecturers in skill-based higher learning institutions to teach technical communication. About 81% of the respondents indicated that fresh graduates lack communication skills. In addition, the total…

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) has launched a new publication, "Integrated Approaches to Literacy and Skills Development: Examples of Best Practice in Adult Learning Programmes." This new compilation showcases 21 adult education programmes that demonstrate promising approaches to integrating literacy, life skills and…

The California Department of Education (CDE) provides adult literacy services to one-fifth of adults enrolled in the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) program in the United States. The adult education program addresses literacy needs of individuals by providing adults with the skills and knowledge necessary to (a) gain employment or…

This study combines data from three case studies of teachers moving from their university teacher education programs into their first jobs, with data collected through observations and interviews totaling six observation cycles over the 2 years of data collection. The curricula for working class students that the three teachers taught represent a…

Describes special vocational education programs in New York City and San Francisco for adult immigrants. The programs offer English as a second language, office skills, survival training, counseling, and job search skills. (JOW)

This guide provides the curriculum materials used in a program designed to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) life-skills or vocational instruction for refugees in the Chicago metropolitan area, concentrating on the general vocational ESL skills to be taught. An overall introduction to the program is followed by a section on work English…

A 16-week, 600-hour Office Skills Training curriculum for limited English proficient (LEP) adults is presented. The course is divided equally between the vocational training component and the language component. It is recommended that students have an intermediate level of English language proficiency, but no experience in typing or filing is…

Australia's Occupational English Test (OET) for health professionals was developed in response to the need for immigrant health professions workers to have increased awareness of Australian colloquialisms, improved language training, both in general and within the professions, and cultural awareness training. The test assesses speaking, reading,…

This guide outlines a curriculum designed to provide English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) life-skills instruction for refugees in the Chicago metropolitan area, concentrating on the Level One survival skills. Non-Southeast Asians account for more than half of those served, all of whom receive, or are at risk of receiving, public assistance. Most are…

The curriculum guide is designed for a basic skills course for machine maintenance workers. The 12-week course is divided into three segments: English as a Second Language and vocabulary development; technical vocabulary and mathematics; and technical symbols, trouble-shooting, and word problems. For each of the three segments, a list of…

A Chicago vocational English language training program (VELT) conducted a needs assessment survey of employers of limited-English-proficient (LEP) workers in assembly, packing, shipping, janitorial and housekeeping, machine operation, and food preparation jobs. The purposes of the survey were to determine: (1) the employers' methods of obtaining…

A discussion of English as a Second Language (ESL) in the workplace looks at current challenges and future educational needs. It begins with an overview of adult immigrant demographics in the United States and federal government conclusions about the kinds of skills needed by this population. Challenges facing immigrant workplace education are…

Vocational English Second Language (VESL) programs have traditionally given immigrant, migrant, and refugee language learners access to employment. VESL programs provide not only the language input needed for learning specific job tasks but also address the sociocultural skills of language needed to negotiate in today's workplace. The demand for…