Program for Springfield Adults Offers Job Training, ESOL

Unemployed or underemployed adults in Springfield in need of intermediate to advanced English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and workplace skills should apply now for space in a new, six-month intensive Workforce Skills Class, starting November 16 at Holyoke Community College's Ludlow Area Adult Learning Center.

Funded by a grant from the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County (REB) and sponsored by the Ludlow Area Adult Learning Center, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, and the City of Springfield, the course will focus on preparation for training programs related to four areas of job growth identified by the Regional Employment Board: Green Jobs, Health Care, Precision Manufacturing, and Early Childhood Services.

"This class offers an opportunity for people to improve their language skills while increasing career awareness and job readiness," said Maura Geary, Regional Employment Board program manager. "In Springfield, 33 percent of the population speaks a language other than English at home, and language proficiency is essential for adults to be successful parents, employees, and community members. We see this as a pilot project that will develop an integrated model that can be used in other programs and communities as well."

The curriculum will include Intermediate to Advanced ESOL, Career Awareness, Career Readiness, Skill Development, Basic Computer Skills, and Applied Mathematics. Classes will meet Monday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. On completion, participants will receive assistance in job placement or placement in a job training or transition to college program. To apply, contact Barbara Paul at (413) 583-0320.

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