SanMar partners with UC Aspire to elevate employee English skills

In an innovative approach aimed at improving workplace efficiency and fostering personal growth, SanMar, in collaboration with UC Aspire, successfully implemented an English language training program for its diverse workforce. The program, led by seasoned instructor Mike Jones, was designed to equip SanMar employees with essential English vocabulary pertinent to their roles in the company's expansive warehouse.

The training catered to a varied group of SanMar employees, many of whom are from Spanish-speaking countries and possess differing levels of English proficiency, ranging from beginner to advanced. Drawing from his extensive experience as a classroom teacher, Jones adeptly differentiated instruction to meet the unique needs of each participant.

The curriculum was designed to address the practical needs of workers in SanMar's expansive warehouse in West Chester, Ohio. Employees learned essential workplace vocabulary, including numeration, to navigate the large facility effectively. The training was crucial for understanding and responding to directives through headsets, which dictate tasks like locating items across different zones, aisles, bays, levels, and bins. This not only improved their work efficiency but also directly impacted their ability to earn performance-based bonuses.

Mike Jones, affectionately known as "Teacher Mike" by his students, conducted classes both in a classroom setting and directly on the warehouse floor. His schedule included three sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays, accommodating employees from all shifts.

Due to the absence of internet connectivity in the classroom, Jones adapted by creating a tailored curriculum and using a projector to display lessons. His approach included not only language skills but also motivational talks. "This training is job-related. If you do well, you're going to become better at what you're doing. And you're going to become more prosperous and earn more bonuses," Jones would remind his students, often ending classes with a light-hearted homework assignment to "go out there and make lots of money."

The program's success was evident in the immediate improvements in employee performance. Ed Powell, HR Generalist at SanMar, noted that many participants moved from facing potential disciplinary actions to achieving bonus-worthy performances. "A high percentage of people that went through the program were able to get out of that scenario. And quite a few of them are now getting hourly bonuses," Powell shared.

The initiative also fostered a sense of inclusivity and pride among the workforce. On the final day, each student received a certificate and a small bag of candy, which was met with significant enthusiasm. "You would have thought I was passing out $1000 bills. They were so proud," Jones recounted.

The partnership between SanMar and UC Aspire not only enhanced employee capabilities but also reinforced SanMar's commitment to its "family values" ethos, which emphasizes investing in each other. Powell advises other companies considering similar programs, "Just try it. Give it a chance, because, I mean, you've got nothing to lose here and everything to gain."

SanMar is already planning to invite UC Aspire and Instructor Mike back for another session, hoping to continue this transformative training for their employees, further solidifying their investment in their workforce's success and well-being.

Featured image at top: Instructor Mike Jones with participants in UC Aspire ESOL training at SanMar display certificates of completion on their final day. photo/provided.