Workplace English as a Second Language I-III:
The focus of these courses is to increase workplace functionality and customize the language learning process to the demands of each workplace. Elements of each of the three, 36-hours modules include describing basic job functions, describing work processes using flowcharts, identifying quality service in the customer-supplier chain, paraphrasing the company mission/quality statements, reporting accidents, and describing typical operational problems and defects and their probable causes.

Reading for Quality: (36 hours)
The goal for this course is to increase reading comprehension of employees in the areas of work related documents, manuals, and technical materials. Content includes reading shop documents (prints, routings, work instructions), reading/interpreting graphic organizers (tables, charts, graphs), and reading simple memos and parts of manuals, and learning to employ reading strategies appropriately to increase reading speed and comprehension.

Basic Workplace Math I-III: (36 hours per module)
These courses address employee skill gaps in day-to-day workplace math operations. Topics include estimating to check for accuracy, calculator operations and accuracy, whole number operations involving inventory and product counts, decimals related to SPC, quality measures, and decimals and fractions in blueprints.

English for the ISO Audit: (8-36 hrs)
This course introduces the concept of quality as a system in which each worker affects the success of the company. Participants learn to convert job work instructions from the procedures manual to a flow chart of sequential steps and retell what they do on the job from these cues. Participants practice answering typical ISO questions using simplified English.

Cost of Quality: (36 hours)
The goal of this course is to train participants to reduce or prevent problems related to poor quality production and customer dissatisfaction. Topics include scrap/rework/returned goods, extra processing, lost/damaged tools, production delays, non-conforming material, difficulty understanding work instructions, inability to follow the correct manufacturing processes, and/or missed production deadlines.

Statistical Process Control I: (20 hours)
Through this course participants will discover how SPC is utilized to track and analyze data for problem solving and process control and its usefulness in continuous improvement initiatives. Elements include control charting and the operator's role and responsibilities in SPC.

Fundamentals of Blueprint Reading: (20 hrs)
Provides the basic comprehension of metal work drawings necessary to complete a production job. Topics include identifying views, interpreting line conventions, utilizing information in the title block and notes, dimensions and tolerances, threads and fasteners.

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT): (20 hours)
This course familiarizes trainees with foundational terms, definitions, symbols, and basic concepts of GDT under the ANSI/ASME Y14.5M-1994 standard. Elements include feature control frames, datums, material condition (LMC, MMC), tolerances of form and profile, orientation and run-out, location, and virtual condition.

Leadership (Applied): (16 hours)
This 4 week course emphasizes the development of leadership skills through awareness of leadership/learning styles, active listening and effective communication, giving and receiving constructive feedback, and conflict management. Skills learned will be practiced in each session—through small group activities, whole group interaction, and role playing—as well as applied on the job between sessions.

Team Problem Solving: (16-24 hours)
This course teaches team members work interactively through brainstorming, establishing a mission and vision for the team, using data collection tools, analyzing data and graphically organizing it, solving a problem and making a presentation to management. Team leaders are developed during the course as members take turns leading the team in the activities.

Train the Trainer I—Teaching Techniques: (16 hours)
This course is one of three courses enabling trainers to develop sound teaching techniques and standardize training that can be replicated by other in-house trainers. Content topics include the adult learner, developing effective lesson plans, facilitating whole and small group interactions, identification of learning styles, feedback questions, repetition, and demonstration of teaching techniques.

Train the Trainer II—Job Instruction Workshop: (16 hours)
This course is intended to help in-house trainers identify the sequence of training and outcomes expected. Content topics include principles of instructional design, identification of necessary skills, development of course outlines, written objectives and competency checklists, assessments and evaluations, and demonstration of integrated instructional design.

Train the Trainer III—Presentation Skills: (16 hours)
This course focuses on the skills necessary to effectively present the content of the training to participants. Content topics include principles of delivery, profile of the audience, effective use of overhead and flip charts, audio/visual segments, anticipate questions, and presentation to peers using skills learned.

Conflict Resolution Workshop: (4 hours)
This half-day program is designed for those who need to learn strategies that will enable them to manage conflict with employees, co-workers and constituents.

Supervising Spanish Speaking Personnel: (20 hours)
This course will prepare supervisors to communicate in simple native language terms with Spanish speaking workers. The focus of language instruction will be job tasks, safety equipment and procedures, overtime, shift changes, and social/relational expressions. Hispanic cultural expectations and values will be included.

Essentials of Customer Service: (24 hours)
This modularized course builds core competencies that help customer service employees understand the importance of their interactions with customers and how those interactions impact the success of their organization. This course includes on-the-job reinforcement exercises and job aids that support learning, increase retention, and encourage the delivery of exceptional customer service. Role-play reinforces concepts learned and allows peers to review and critique the effectiveness of interactions.

Microsoft Access, Introduction: (9-12 hours)
Participants taking this course should be comfortable working in a Windows environment. Topics include understanding database concepts and terminology; designing, creating, and modifying data tables by using example data; manipulate existing data for editing purposes; selecting specific records and fields from tables by using Access queries, generating data forms for viewing and inputting data; creating reports that summarize and group information. Participants are encouraged to bring real data for practice and application of concepts learned. Computers need to be available at the instructional site unless other arrangements are made.

Microsoft Excel, Introduction: (8 hours)
Participants will learn how to explore the advantages of electronic spreadsheets; create a basic worksheet; create formulas by using Excel's built-in functions; move and copy data through shortcuts, "drag and drop," and toolbar buttons; change the appearance of worksheet data using various formatting options; prepare a document; and create formulas that reference cells on multiple worksheets. Participants are encouraged to bring real work projects for practice and application of concepts learned. Computers need to be available at the instructional site unless other arrangements are made.

Microsoft Excel, Intermediate: (4 hours)
Participants will learn how to create, modify, and customize charts; use the Autoformat feature to enhance charts; add graphic objects to charts using the drawing tools features; quickly locate information using Autofilter; locate and merge information using Advanced Filter; maintain a list by using the data form; and create geographic charts by using the Data Map feature. Participants are encouraged to bring real work projects for practice and application of concepts learned. Computers need to be available at the instructional site unless other arrangements are made.

Microsoft Word, Introduction :(9-12 hours)
Although this is a beginning course, it will be helpful for participants to have some familiarity with computers and know how to type. Topics include creating, saving, opening, and editing documents; using the Help feature; navigating large documents; using tabs and creating tables; adjusting margins and page breaks; and creating headers and footers. Participants are encouraged to bring real work projects for practice and application of concepts learned. Computers need to be available at the instructional site unless other arrangements are made.

Consulting services include:
Training needs analysis; Standardized workforce skills evaluation (includes testing for Literacy, English Proficiency, Mathematics, Technology, Supervisory and Leadership skills) ; Development of company-specific assessment tools (for both screening job seekers and evaluating incumbent worker skills); Training Impact Evaluation and Return on Investment Analysis.

OSHA General Industry: (10 hour)
The goal of this course is to teach students to understand and read the OSHA standards as they relate to general industry. We give the students a copy of 29CFR Part 1926 and a student Activity Book that consists of case studies of typical construction and hazardous waste site incidents that cause health and safety problems. Students work through the case studies by identifying the appropriate OSHA standard and then reading the standard to understand what OSHA mandates as a safe strategy for approaching the problem.

Hazardous Materials Communication and Right to Know: (4-8 hours – Spanish/English)
Trainees will recognize the presence of hazardous materials on their job site; review necessary personal protective equipment; explore hazardous material labeling, routes of entry, and exposure limits; and learn how to find important information about common job site chemicals on Material Safety Data Sheets. This course satisfies OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 requirements.

Hazardous Materials Safety: (2-4 hours – Spanish/English)
This is an annually required OSHA hazard communication refresher course. Topics include do's and don'ts in an emergency, proper disposal of hazardous materials, evacuation, fire emergencies, and personal protective equipment related to the specific workplace. This course satisfies OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 requirements.

Ergonomics: (2-3 hours - Spanish/English)
In this short course participants will learn three key elements of an ergonomics program: why ergonomics is a concern, how to conduct an analysis of potential cumulative trauma risks in performing a task, and how to implement control procedures. This course is in compliance with OSHA protocol for developing industry and task-specific ergonomic procedures.

Back Safety: (1-2 hours – Spanish/English)
Employees who understand and practice the basics of back safety are less likely to have painful and costly back problems. This course will help trainees to: Understand how the back supports the body and the importance of strong and flexible back muscles; Know how to sit and stand to reduce strain on the back; Recognize the importance of exercise and good physical condition to a strong healthy back; As a result, practice better posture and movement to protect the back and avoid injury. This course is applicable to OSHA General Duty Clause (Section 5.(a)(1),

Slips, Trips and Falls:
Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents. They cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities. The OSHA standards for walking and working surfaces apply to all permanent places of employment, except where domestic, mining, or agricultural work only is performed. This course follows OSHA guidelines relating to walking-working surfaces.

Lock-out/Tag-out: (4-8 hours- Spanish/English)
Meets requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147) and is a required course for all employees who work on electrical or mechanical equipment that could unexpectedly startup causing injury or release hazardous energy. Course familiarizes students with techniques for preventing unexpected energizing of machinery or the release of stored energy while equipment is being serviced. Students learn when lock-out / tag-out is required by law, OSHA mandated procedures, and general safety rules for lock-out/tag-out. Extended versions of this course would include understanding OSHA’s lock-out/tag-out laws, means of identifying and isolating energy sources, authorized vs. affected workers, securing equipment with locks or tags, and establishing a lock- out/tag-out program.

Lockout / Tagout / Blockout 2 (Authorized Employees): (2-4 hours – Spanish/English)
This two-hour course is designed to teach lockout/ tagout/blockout procedures to employees having responsibility for shutting down machinery that has a hazard potential. Hands-on activities will be included and competency checks performed to ensure that the worker can follow OSHA guidelines for worker safety. This standard covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization or start up of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy could cause injury to employees. This course addresses minimum performance requirements for the control of such hazardous energy and satisfies OSHA Standard 1910.147(a) (1)(i).

Lockout / Tagout / Blockout 3 (Affected Employees): (1 hour – Spanish/English)
A one-hour course which will provide awareness to affected employees regarding their role in supporting the safety of co-workers who are performing a lockout/ tagout/blockout procedure. Emphasis will be on the injury potential inherent in sudden energy release. This standard covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization or start up of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy could cause injury to employees. This course addresses minimum performance requirements for the control of such hazardous energy and satisfies OSHA Standard 1910.147(a)(1)(i).

Department of Transportation HM 181: (8 hours)
This course is designed for people who manage and supervise employees responsible for the packaging and shipping of hazardous materials; and for employees who are responsible for the packaging and/or shipping of more than one type of product containing different materials. It features an in-depth discussion and review of the DOT 49 CFR regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials. Topics include: Identification of hazardous materials, marking and labeling requirements, shipping paper documentation, placarding requirements, and emergency response rules. Title 49 regulations are used throughout the course.

Confined Space Entry: (4-8 hours)
Covers the basics of confined space work through lectures and videos. This course meets the requirements of federal regulations protecting confined space workers, with emphasis on atmospheric testing, ventilation, proper respirator use, attendants, and rescue procedures. This course satisfies OSHA 29CFR1910.146 requirements.

Blood borne Pathogens: (2 hours)
This course provides awareness training for industrial workers. Participants will learn about modes of transmission, protection, emergency response, and exposure controls. Upon completion, workers will be able to: Recognize ways HBV and HIV are and are not spread.; Identify the ways HBV and HIV enter a worker’s body; Recall the need to know company rules concerning accidents; List the ways HBV and HIV are spread in the workplace; List the ways HBV and HIV cannot be spread in the workplace; Use basic protection, and know the precautions to use after contact with an injured worker; Recognize the importance of using proper personal protective equipment.; Handle an exposure incident properly; Use proper clean-up procedures. This course satisfies OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 requirements.

Forklift Safety: (4-8 hours)
Forklift training certification (OSHA) is customized for low English proficiency, which cuts forklift operator safety training time in half. The course provides participants a general understanding of the safe and efficient operation of an Industrial Powered Fork Truck, to help companies comply with OSHA regulations. The course teaches participants / employees how to identify specific health and safety hazards in the workplace associated with operating a powered industrial lift truck. Classes include lecture, video presentations and hands-on instruction. Each student will be provided with workbooks and will take a written exam to demonstrate comprehension of covered topics. This course satisfies OSHA 29 CFR1910.178 requirements.

Asbestos Abatement Worker: (32 hours)
Meets requirements of Illinois and Missouri state regulations. Upon completion of the course and written exam, students receive a state-accredited certificate required for an asbestos worker license. This course introduces students to the hazards of asbestos, methods for protection, and hands on training to ensure that they are familiar with safe techniques and practices for abating asbestos. This license is required to clean, remove, encapsulate, enclose, repair, haul, or dispose of asbestos-containing building materials. Annual refresher is required. This course satisfies OSHA 29 CFR 1926.58 /29 CFR 1910.1001 requirements.

Asbestos Abatement Supervisor: (40 hours)
Meets requirements of Illinois and Missouri state regulations. Upon completion of the course and written exam, students receive a state-accredited certificate, needed for an asbestos supervisor license. Course teaches supervisors how asbestos affects your health and how to protect yourself from it, in addition to worker safety, workplace operations and management. This course satisfies OSHA 29 CFR 1926.58 /29 CFR 1910.1001 requirements.

Asbestos Abatement Refresher: (8 hours)
This course satisfies the annual requirement under Illinois and Missouri State programs to gain annual worker recertification.

Lead Abatement Worker: (24 hours)
Meets requirements of Illinois and Missouri state regulations. Upon completion of the course and written exam, students receive a state accredited certificate, needed for a lead worker license. This course introduces students to the hazards of lead, methods for protection, and hands on activities to ensure that they are familiar with safe techniques and practices for abating lead. Students who successfully complete this course will be certified to work in lead abatement in the states of

Illinois and Missouri. Annual refresher is required. This course satisfies OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62 requirements.

Lead Abatement Supervisor: (32-40 hours)
Meets the requirements of the Illinois or Missouri state regulations. Upon completion of the course and written exam, students receive a state-accredited certificate, needed for a lead supervisor license. Course teaches supervisors how lead affects your health and how to protect yourself from it, in addition to worker safety, workplace operations and management. This course satisfies OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62 requirements.

Lead Abatement Refresher: (8 hours)
This course satisfies the annual requirement under Illinois and Missouri State programs to gain annual worker recertification.

Mold Remediation and Fungal Spore Analysis: (24 hours)
This course covers effects of mold on the body and buildings, correct body protection procedures, PPE, brief history of mold, how molds are identified using microscopy, how to take samples of mold, how to use industry-specific mold remediation instruments, how to build a containment setup and removal chamber, how to read lab analyses reports and general contractor best practices. This course is designed for workers exposed to mold hazards during demolition, rehab and remediation.