English classes support employment and education opportunities
Antonio Vigil, Supervisor of Employment and Training Counseling at the County of Sonoma Employment and Training Job Link program, spoke on the Intensive English Pilot Class he has been piloting in conjunction with Community Action Partnership with support from Exchange Bank and other businesses and organizations. The 13-week program, which features 170+ hours of instruction in English, vocational and computer skills, networking and other "soft skills" including how to dress and present oneself at an interview.
Fifteen limited English students have recently graduated from the first program. Three have volunteer positions, two have jobs pending and one is enrolled in additional classes. According to an assessment conducted at the beginning and again at the end of the course, two out of three students have increased their English skills by one level or more. Other achievements include: Confidence in preparing for job interviews, elevator speeches. better understanding of a career path and significantly increased belief in themselves and their abilities.
The program is seeking volunteers willing and able to provide mock job interview as well as train students to create and deliver elevator speeches. For further information on the program and its needs, contact Antonio Vigil at avigil@schsd.org.
