Colorado Announces Free Workforce-Focused English Training Program
Online program will help 500-plus adult English learners to build skills to connect with careers in healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and more.
DENVER, CO – January 15, 2023 – With nearly two open jobs for every one job seeker in Colorado, local businesses are struggling to attract, retain, and engage workers. To help close that gap, and enable aspiring workers to jumpstart or elevate their careers within the most in-demand industries, Colorado announced that it will provide free work-related English training to over a thousand immigrants and speakers of other languages across the state. Both individuals and businesses that employ New Americans can participate.
“English as an additional language (EAL) upskilling programs like these are critical in engaging a talented yet untapped workforce, and connecting valuable ‘New Americans’ with language and career skills to thrive in the job market, which is dependent this important community,” said Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “Colorado is taking a significant step to build an inclusive, prepared, fully-staffed workforce and is a powerful example of education and technology at scale to address language barriers and unlock opportunities."
According to recent estimates, one in eight of all workers in Colorado are immigrants, and nearly half are still learning English. The program leverages job-specific, English instruction designed to meet the needs of working adults. Individuals can access bite-sized lessons that can be completed in 10 minutes or less directly from their phone or computer. The program also includes a catalog of 130-plus courses from phlebotomy to food safety, along with coaching and live online instruction.
Powered by patented technology from EnGen, the program is proven to boost learners’ English proficiency, confidence in using the language, and job skills. A full 87% of learners using this program achieved a career or social goal, like a pay raise, promotion, or increased civic engagement.
“Colorado is now at the forefront of leveraging technology to make English training accessible for more immigrant workers,” said Dr. Katie Brown, founder and chief education officer at EnGen. “We know that workers who are still learning English earn up to 40% less than their peers who are English proficient. This initiative is about more than language; it's about opening doors to opportunity and economic prosperity.”
For more information on how to enroll and begin your journey to enhanced English and career skills, please visit https://getengen.com/ona
EnGen delivers career-aligned, on-demand English instruction at the scale needed to serve the needs of the U.S. workforce – including English learners, who now represent 1 in 10 working-age adults. A Certified B Corporation, EnGen partners with employers and organizations that are focused on advancing career mobility, retention, engagement, and talent development. The platform is built with patented, AI-powered technology that has served more than 4 million language learners worldwide. Learn more at getengen.com.