Reality Spanish for Supervisors @ Wabash, Lafayette, IN
What were the challenges?
This course was offered in response to the need for supervisors to speak basic Spanish and learn about Hispanic culture so they can better relate to a growing Latino workforce, which increased 40% within the state of Indiana since the last decennial census (between 2010 and 2020). In fact, Brookings predicts that the United States will become ‘minority White’ by 2045, and that one in five workers will be Latino (Pew Research).
What were the challenges?
This course was offered in response to the need for supervisors to speak basic Spanish and learn about Hispanic culture so they can better relate to a growing Latino workforce, which increased 40% within the state of Indiana since the last decennial census (between 2010 and 2020). In fact, Brookings predicts that the United States will become ‘minority White’ by 2045, and that one in five workers will be Latino (Pew Research).
What did we decide to do?
The initial course was offered to a group of 27 supervisors in the Lafayette plant. Given the success of this pilot effort, a second course is being offered to Human Resource and Environmental Health personnel at the Lafayette plant starting in January 2024. A third course will be opened up to EHS & HR virtually for those that are located all across the US and be broadcast via Zoom (with a recording made for anyone who misses the live session).
Wabash is sponsoring the course for its employees and paying the full cost. The cost per course varies by class size. Contact Ivy Tech for a custom quote.
- Community partners: Learning Network of Clinton County
- Educational partners:
- Ivy Tech Community College
- Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD)
- Employer partners: Sarah Ponsler, Director of Talent & Organizational Effectiveness for Wabash
What did we decide to do?
The initial course was offered to a group of 27 supervisors in the Lafayette plant. Given the success of this pilot effort, a second course is being offered to Human Resource and Environmental Health personnel at the Lafayette plant starting in January 2024. A third course will be opened up to EHS & HR virtually for those that are located all across the US and be broadcast via Zoom (with a recording made for anyone who misses the live session).
Wabash is sponsoring the course for its employees and paying the full cost. The cost per course varies by class size. Contact Ivy Tech for a custom quote.
- Community partners: Learning Network of Clinton County
- Educational partners:
- Ivy Tech Community College
- Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD)
- Employer partners: Sarah Ponsler, Director of Talent & Organizational Effectiveness for Wabash
How was the solution implemented?
This course meets once weekly and, in the case of Wabash, is overseen by HR through their Learning & Development department. However, since the logistics are handled by Ivy Tech and the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD), the point person at a company just needs to focus on recruiting employees to register for the course and provide a place to complete the learning.
There was an opportunity to adapt the training to meet specific industry language and terms. Managers with this training were able to learn not only the language, but also the culture. Instead of having to have an interpreter, this opportunity was able to help bridge connections and assist frontline workers in the process of improvement and overall morale at work.
No tools or software are needed for the course, other than a computer with video capabilities for the virtual session. Interested businesses can contact Ivy Tech to hire one of their adjunct faculty members who are trained and certified in Reality Spanish to instruct a course of up to 30 people.
How was the solution implemented?
This course meets once weekly and, in the case of Wabash, is overseen by HR through their Learning & Development department. However, since the logistics are handled by Ivy Tech and the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD), the point person at a company just needs to focus on recruiting employees to register for the course and provide a place to complete the learning.
There was an opportunity to adapt the training to meet specific industry language and terms. Managers with this training were able to learn not only the language, but also the culture. Instead of having to have an interpreter, this opportunity was able to help bridge connections and assist frontline workers in the process of improvement and overall morale at work.
No tools or software are needed for the course, other than a computer with video capabilities for the virtual session. Interested businesses can contact Ivy Tech to hire one of their adjunct faculty members who are trained and certified in Reality Spanish to instruct a course of up to 30 people.
What are the outcomes?
It creates opportunities for spontaneous dialogue on the manufacturing floor and in the breakrooms, which fosters a culture of belonging and inclusion that results in employee retention and loyalty.
Tangible Outcomes:
- Increased language proficiency
- Better connection between co-workers/associates
- Fosters a culture of belonging
- Higher employee retention.
- Each graduate of the course (12 classes that are 2.5 hours long = 30 hours of instruction) receives a certificate from Ivy Tech Community College.
What are the outcomes?
It creates opportunities for spontaneous dialogue on the manufacturing floor and in the breakrooms, which fosters a culture of belonging and inclusion that results in employee retention and loyalty.
Tangible Outcomes:
- Increased language proficiency
- Better connection between co-workers/associates
- Fosters a culture of belonging
- Higher employee retention.
- Each graduate of the course (12 classes that are 2.5 hours long = 30 hours of instruction) receives a certificate from Ivy Tech Community College.
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Questions about this resource?
Our team can answer your questions and help you get the most out of this resource.
Are we missing a resource?
Our team members are ready to help you find the resources you need.
As a registered member, you can...
-
Send a message for fast and efficient answers electronically
-
Schedule a call and speak directly with a team member
-
View all resources in the Talent Resource Navigator
-
Get personalized resource recommendations from the Talent Pipeline Assessment