Accurounds recognized for support of English classes
By Canton Citizen
L-R: Claudia Green, executive director of English for New Bostonians; Nam Pham, assistant secretary of business development and international trade at MA Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development; John Brothers, director of YMCA Training, Inc. at YMCA of Greater Boston; Michael Tamasi, president and CEO of Accurounds; and Mary Truong, executive director of the MA Office for Refugees and Immigrants
Accurounds, a local manufacturing company owned and led by Canton resident Michael Tamasi, was recently awarded the English Works Campaign Certificate of Recognition for their civic leadership in support of English language classes for their immigrant employees. The award was presented as part of the English for New Bostonians’ Raising Our Voices breakfast at Northeastern University, an event that highlights the private sector involvement and investment in the English language skills of the immigrant workforce in the commonwealth.
“This award is a bit sentimental for me,” said Tamasi, president and CEO of Accurounds. “My father was an immigrant from Italy. He arrived in Boston at 17 years of age and could not speak English. Through classes and going to movies, he learned the language quite well. He passed away nine years ago, but I know he’s smiling down from above seeing this recognition.”
AccuRounds, a contract manufacturer that machines and assembles components used in the medical, defense, and aerospace industries, wanted to offer English language training to their employees in order to increase understanding of instructions and execution, to ensure compliance with safety regulations, to build confidence, to increase job satisfaction, and to raise employee retention. In fall 2017, they jumped at the chance to participate in a program funded by the Workforce Training Fund Program and run by the YMCA International Learning Center. Through this program, classes were delivered on site to Accurounds employees, with fantastic results.
English for New Bostonians works closely with employers to help them apply for funding available through the Workforce Training Fund and to identify partners that can conduct English classes that are customized to the needs of the business.
“With a tight labor market and over half a million Massachusetts residents who have limited English skills, there’s a strong case for businesses to invest in the English skills of their workforce,” said Claudia Green, ENB’s executive director. “The results are better workplace communication, increased retention, and greater ability to promote from within. There is also a strong moral imperative, particularly given today’s climate: English classes pave the way to hope and opportunity for immigrant families.”
Businesses interested in learning more about organizing an English class in the workplace should contact Franklin Peralta at fperalta@englishfornewbostonians.org or 617-982-6863.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=49383
Posted by Canton Citizen
on Jan 18 2019. Filed under Business.
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