NCCER Offers Online English Training for Hispanic Workers

National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) has partnered with constructNet International to offer online instructional language resources for the construction industry. This program is designed to improve job site communication between Spanish-speaking and English-speaking employees. The first series, titled Construction English for the Spanish Speaker, currently contains two courses but will be expanded to five in the coming months.       • Introduction to Construction English I — Participants will learn and apply familiar everyday expressions          and basic phrases geared to the construction site. The importance of safety on the job site and common          cultural differences are introduced.       • Introduction to Construction English II — Participants will be able to understand statements and          frequently used expressions related to areas of the basic job site, employment, personal and family          information, and local geography. Safety is reinforced. A second series, titled Construction Spanish for the English Speaker, consists of one course aimed at foremen, supervisors, crew leaders, and administration to ensure clear communication between the Spanish-speaking employee and the English-speaking manager, particularly to ensure safety on the job site. Each course in the Construction English for the Spanish Speaker series costs $125; Construction Spanish for the English Speaker costs $195. The fee is for one participant to have 24-hour access to the online program for 12 weeks. All participants who successfully complete the entire course series through an NCCER Accredited Training Sponsor will receive NCCER credentials. Before an employee begins any course in the Construction English for the Spanish Speaker series, they must receive an orientation to the computer from a Language Training Facilitator. The LTF is the company representative chosen to perform the orientation and assist employees as they progress through the course. The LTF must be fluent in both English and Spanish and take a two-hour online training session before the orientation. If training is provided through an NCCER Accredited Training Sponsor and credentials are desired, the LTF must be a certified master trainer, craft instructor or have taken modules 1, 6, and 9 of the Instructor Certification Training Program. More information, answers to frequently asked questions, and a free demonstration of the courses are available online here.