ESL-to-Welder Program a SkillTrain & International Center Partnership

OCTC’s Workforce Solutions and the International Center have collaborated to introduce a program for students learning English as a second language (ESL).

The ESL-to-Welder, began March 1, and this unique program offers refugee ESL students a way to advance their Englishspeaking skills while preparing for career opportunities. There are currently 10 students enrolled in the program.

Diane Ford, site director for the International Center, approached OCTC’s Lindsey Kafer after noticing the lack of time students have to attend ESL classes while also maintaining a full-time work schedule.

Employment is the biggest barrier for new refugee arrivals in the community, and English proficiency is their biggest hurdle in gaining employment. The ESL-to-Welder program is not limited to Afghan refugees, but is open to any ESL student and International Center client with the ability to participate in the program.

The goal of the program is to give International Center clients the opportunity to advance their skills and knowledge in a field they already have experience and interest in, and attain English skills that are necessary to successfully integrate into the community, while making connections with agencies outside of the center.

During the ESL-to-Welder program, students attend eight weeks of “intensive” ESL classes, followed by 12 weeks of paired ESL and competency-based instruction in

WLD 152 Basic Welding.

Once students complete the course, they will have earned a Welder Helper certificate and the language skills needed for basic work-related conversations.

The English language training in the welding lab is focused around safety, communicating with the instructor, which carries over to communicating with supervisors. Preparing them to be on the job with the needed language and technical skills.

The eight week ESL section of the program does not count toward college credits, but the 12-week welding session allows students to earn five college credit hours and a Welder Helper certificate.

For more information on the ESL-to-Welder program, contact Lindsey Kafer at 270-686-3781.