Workplace Literacy
Language Access for a More Confident Workplace
Workplace literacy provided by the Winnebago Area Literacy Council enables employees to improve their literacy, English comprehension, and fluency during the workday. Instruction is delivered through a class-based model that targets all four language domains: reading, writing, speaking, and listening – as well as grammar. The overarching goal of these classes is to equip learners with the skills and confidence they need to advocate for themselves.
Built for Employers. Designed for Employees.
Getting started is simple. We partner with you to plan a customized workplace English class based on your operation, schedule, and communication needs – while aligning instruction with employees’ goals so learning can be applied on the job right away.
Employer Needs Assessment
We start by understanding your workplace, schedules, and communication needs to ensure the program fits your operation.
Employee Diagnostic & Goals
We assess employees’ language skills to create groups and goals that match their current level and support growth.
Launch, Learn, & See Results
Classes take place during the workday, with instruction focused on immediate application, confidence, and measurable results.
When I came to the company, or especially in the US, I didn’t understand English. It’s very hard for me to live here, but now I am very happy with the English class…I want to appreciate for the company to provide the English class for us… we learn a lot of English, and I can communicate with people over here, outside, and everywhere else.
– Workplace Literacy Learner
Invest in your workforce today
Contact WALC Executive Director, Chu Paing, at executivedirector@winlit.org to learn more about hosting a Workplace Literacy class or to get started today
Frequently Asked Questions
Workplace Literacy English Language classes typically meet on site at your workplace 1-3 times per week, depending on employees needs, work schedules, and program goals.
In most programs, weekly or twice weekly classes range from 1-2 hours per session. Some workplaces may choose a more intensive short-term schedule, while others prefer ongoing weekly sessions for steady progress. WALC runs on a quarter system, so class contracts can be for a single quarter or up to a year.
Workplace Literacy classes take place on-site at your workplace, typically in a conference or classroom area, during your employees workday. Choosing a day and time for the classes is something we will work through together in the initial meetings to set up the class.
Every workplace is different and so no two Workplace Literacy programs look exactly alike. All of our classes begin with our Core Curriculum, and are then customized to each workplace utilizing the employer needs assessment and employee goals. The Winnebago Area Literacy Council’s Core Curriculum is written for adult English language learners, focusing on functional English across all four language domains, with an emphasis on self-advocacy.
Hosting a Workplace Literacy class is an investment in both your employees and the organization as a whole. These classes strengthen communication, teamwork, and understanding of workplace expectations, which can lead to improved productivity, efficiency, and safety. Employees who feel supported in developing their skills tend to be more engaged and more likely to grow within the company. These classes also demonstrate a meaningful commitment to inclusion and workforce development, creating positive impact for both the business and the community as a whole.
Our Workplace Literacy classes support real people with differing backgrounds, goals, and learning experiences, so progress looks different for each participant. Some changes, such as increased confidence while communicating, may appear early, while other skills take time to develop. Building strong literacy and language skills is a gradual process that happens through consistent practice and support.
Like most of the class details, cost varies on the specifications of your workplace. The Winnebago Area Literacy Council uses formula based on the number of employees, frequency of the class, and other needs to determine the cost.
There are grants through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development that may help to cover class costs, learn more here.
