Customized Workplace English

Language barriers can keep your business, staff, and teams from achieving their full potential. The Literacy Center of West Michigan brings decades of experience as Michigan’s largest community-based provider of adult education services—customized specifically to your business needs.

We provide on-site English classes for adult learners at any level of English acquisition or literacy.

Your employees have potential.

Unlock it with customized English training.

“These classes have unlocked a big source of talent; we no longer have a skilled electrical engineer sweeping floors at the foundry because they don’t speak enough English.”

— Casey O’Neill, RoMan Manufacturing

The Training Plan

1. We’ll customize your training
Our instructors tailor lessons to your workplace, often including HR procedures, technical language, and safety or quality measures.

2. Enroll your employees based on language testing
Literacy Center staff conduct all testing—at our office or your location—to ensure employees are placed at the correct level.

3. Enjoy the results of better communication!
Seventy percent (70%) of participants in Workplace English classes make meaningful literacy gains on standardized tests.

The Results

A more engaged and loyal workforce
Higher employee retention
Better quality control and safety
Improved communication across teams

“The skills and confidence gained through the Literacy Center’s programs empower our members both professionally and personally.”
— Jessica Reimer, Haworth

Your Investment

Our most popular offerings include:

Basic Workplace ESL – 60 hours (2 classes per week, 2 hours each, 15 weeks)

Intermediate ESL – 60 hours (2 classes per week, 2 hours each, 15 weeks)

Skilled Training ESL – 20–50 hours of instruction, highest level of customization

Workshop: Better Communication Across Languages – 4 hours (one-time)

Citizenship ESL – 60 hours (2 classes per week, 2 hours each, 15 weeks); includes legal support for individuals

Many businesses use Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund to support this training.
Costs are based on a per-person rate determined by cohort size.

Blog Posts

How Workplace English Changed Jorge's Career

When Jorge arrived from Cuba, he had a degree in electrical engineering but limited English. After taking Workplace English classes through his employer, he advanced from the foundry floor to the R&D lab—eventually becoming Lab Manager.

Praxis Packaging Strengthens Workforce with English Classes

With the Literacy Center of West Michigan, Praxis offers their employees customized ESL instruction aligned with shift schedules and business needs—helping employees strengthen communication skills, gain confidence, and step into new opportunities while boosting the company’s overall workforce.