(PHOENIX, Ariz., Oct. 7, 2003) – Every Tuesday and Thursday Phoenix College instructors Anna Hughes and Ginny Simmon put on their hard hats and protective eye wear to walk through a construction site at United Modular. They battle the roaring sounds of saw blades and hammers, as well as the smells of sawdust and plywood to walk up a narrow flight of stairs to their classroom – a one-room modular with wall to wall brown paneling.

As they walk through the site, they are greeted with cheerful hellos and friendly waves by the men and women who will soon become their students. Approximately 31 employees at United Modular break from their regular working schedule for a two-hour English lesson, which is specifically geared to the United Modular workforce.

Monty King of United Modular was concerned that many of his Spanish-speaking employees were not able to fully comprehend the common abbreviations on the blueprints and change orders. Therefore, he wanted a program that was geared to meet the needs of his employees, as well as assist them in improving the quality of their work. With that in mind, Hughes and Simmon of Phoenix College CTE developed a customized curriculum that was designed especially for United Modular.

"We hand-tailored all of the lessons according to the specifications of the company and the assessment level of the students," said Hughes. "There is not one textbook that would be as versatile as the level of instruction that we are providing them."

According to Simmon, the class consists of many components including grammar, vocabulary, conversation, Math and blueprint reading and change orders.

"This particular project brings me great satisfaction," added Simmon. "They are excited and eager to learn. Many of the students have asked us to give them homework and a final exam. That is very impressive."

"This program has really helped our employees quite a bit—especially those in leadership positions," said King. "They are great workers, but now they seem even more confident and willing to make decisions."

This unique project between CTE and United Modular was made possible thanks to the Arizona Department of Commerce Incumbent Worker Training Grant, which is funded through the Arizona Department of Labor. This one-year grant specifically targets incumbent workers who make less than $13.94 an hour.

For more information about CTE training programs or classes, please call (602) 285-7603.

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