We help overcome the language barrier.

As labor demographics change and diversify, it's our priority to effectively train workers of different language and cultural backgrounds. Too often, linguistic and cultural differences create barriers to training for minority and immigrant workers. To help these workers succeed in training and on the job, LIUNA Training developed a Vocational English for Speakers of Other Languages (VESOL) program for construction craft laborers with limited English language skills.

VESOL reaches out to both workers and instructors. For instructors, VESOL provides a professional development certificate program that prepares them to teach a technical subject and promote language development simultaneously.

For workers, the program increases their English language skills and builds a construction vocabulary that emphasizes communication on worker health and safety issues. Instructors who use VESOL techniques in the classroom improve worker employment opportunities, increase job retention and promote on the job safety. With their new construction language skills, workers can participate in a LIUNA CCL apprenticeship program, take advantage of industry certification courses, develop leadership skills, and improve their standard of living. Participants boost their English language comprehension and speaking abilities while they learn the same construction and safety skills as their native English speaking peers. The end result also benefits construction contractors by supplying them with skilled workers who have broken down some of the industry's communication barriers.

VESOL features customized curriculum, comprehensive training materials, interactive training methods, and multi-media learning tools.

More LIUNA Training Support

Realizing that many workers come from varied backgrounds and languages, we work with our training center to ensure students have the best tools they need to learn. We translate the more frequently used curricula into Spanish, and several key environmental remediation courses are also translated into Russian and Polish.

Our training centers provide additional language support, either through English as a Second Language (ESL) programs on site or through arrangements with external ESL providers to help workers learn English. Many centers have bilingual instructors for the most commonly spoken languages in their local area such as Spanish, Portuguese, Polish and Russian. Check with your training center if you need language support.