“If you know that you are trying your best, people will understand you.”
English at Work provides a unique opportunity for individuals to learn English. A curriculum that is cultivated for specific goals and contextualized for the industry can accelerate participants’ boost in language skills, confidence, and career growth in their field.
This learner-centered program, which uses a hybrid model that pairs live instruction with asynchronous learning modules, lends itself to any busy hardworking individual who strives to improve their communication on the job. Jazmin Arteaga, a cashier at Ralphs and an English at Work graduate, is a perfect example of this. As a busy working mom, Jazmin particularly appreciated the online nature of the course. Even though she had work, a family, and other responsibilities, taking the training online allowed her to continue growing her language and communication skills.
Jazmin appreciated the community formed with her instructor and peers, and the opportunity to practice together weekly in class. Having to take care of kids, it can sometimes feels more convenient to watch a video to learn on your own time. But, as Jazmin explains, there is no better way to learn than actively participating in class and engaging with other students to practice.
Working with people is a very important aspect of Jazmin’s job, and the ability to engage with others at work using her new English skills has been instrumental in advancing her skills and career.
Even though many customers speak Spanish, most of her colleagues only speak English, so Jazmin recognizes the importance of communicating clearly and effectively with her peers and superiors.
English at Work allowed Jazmin to hone her oral and written English skills and sharpen her professional communication. By using the course tools, and with guidance from her instructor, Jazmin worked on improving her email writing, active listening, making the right choice of words with different audiences in one-on-one conversations and team meetings, and more. This practice helped Jazmin build her confidence, which translates into bringing more energy and pride to her work.
If I can do this, I can do anything.
Jazmin greatly appreciates that Ralphs offered her this opportunity because it “makes [me] think that they care about [me]” and “makes [me] feel confident and supported [by the company].”
The National Immigration Forum would like to thank Audrey Glas, Business Engagement and Inclusion Programs intern, for highlighting this story.