With the oldest median population in the country, Maine faces acute workforce shortages as many incumbent workers near retirement. But instead of falling behind, the state is building innovative approaches to connect with untapped talent pools, including adult English learners.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Global Talent Office (GTO) today announced the launch of a new statewide initiative to support English language learners through a strategic partnership with EnGen, a virtual, career-aligned English upskilling solution.

To explore the powerful ripple effects of English upskilling, EnGen brought together leaders from the Burning Glass Institute, CAEL, the Maine Department of Labor, and the Maine Department of Education. Their conversation highlighted how investing in language skills creates more resilient talent pipelines, boosts retention, and fuels economic mobility—for everyone.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced today the renewal of the Virtual Career-Aligned English as a Second Language (VCESL) program, a statewide initiative that connects Colorado businesses and job seekers with career-focused, virtual English instruction. The renewal of the VCESL program will be a collaborative effort between CDLE's Employment & Training division, the Colorado Workforce Development Council and EnGen

Treating English as a barrier keeps talent on the sidelines. Viewing it as a gateway creates opportunity—for workers, employers, and all of us.

EnGen’s 2025 Workforce Report reflects responses from over 6,000 adult English learners highlighting the benefits of English upskilling  across industries ranging from healthcare to retail to hospitality and more.