(PHOENIX, Ariz., July 30 2003) – More and more landscaping and grounds entities are recognizing the importance of providing Command Spanish® instruction to their "green" industry supervisors and professionals. With this demand for Spanish language instruction on the rise, Phoenix College Custom Training Education (CTE) is making it easier for them to deliver this valuable on-the-job language instruction to employees.

Phoenix College CTE has delivered Command Spanish®, the country’s leading provider of customized Spanish language and cross-cultural programs and products for non-Spanish speakers who interact with Spanish-speakers in the workplace, to approximately 44 customers over the past two years and their client base is quickly increasing.

According to founder of Command Spanish®, Dr. Sam Slick, Spanish is the second most used language in the United States, which verifies the critical need for this type of instruction.

"Phoenix College is one of 40 licensed institutions in the United States to provide Command Spanish® instruction," said Slick. "I have to admit that they are truly the cream of the crop…they have been with us from the very beginning and we are very proud to have such a wonderful relationship with them."

"Command Spanish® serves as the starting point," said Casandra Kakar, Phoenix College Associate Dean of Continuing Education and Community Services. "Companies throughout the Valley want this type of training so they can better serve their customers or because they have a need to communicate in Spanish with their employees and co-workers. Learning the simple Spanish phrases promotes better communication in the workplace, as well as increases the safety of the workers."

Command Spanish® for Nurseries, Landscaping and Groundskeeping will focus on the following.

--General supervisory phrases
--On-site supervisory phrases
--Landscaping and groundskeeping commands
--Nursery commands
--Equipment operation and maintenance
--Safety/Medical/Emergency issues
--Golf Course Groundskeeping
--Driving a Company Vehicle
--Snow Removal

"Command Spanish® for Nurseries, Landscaping and Groundskeeping is cost-effective and customer focused," added Kakar. "In addition to offering classes on the Phoenix College campus, CTE also delivers instruction on company site. We provide them with everything that they need to complete the course, including CD’s which support instruction and refresh their skills in the future. "

As the Spanish-speaking population continues to increase in the Valley, Command Spanish® will become an essential tool for professionals in the "green" industry.

Phoenix College CTE will offer a course in Spanish for Nurseries, Landscaping and Groundskeeping this Fall. Students can register for NC 500 Section 9930. The course will begin Oct. 1 and will continue every Wednesday through Nov. 12. Classes will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. However, on-site classes are available.

For additional information, please call (602) 285-7998.

###