Prominent workforce retention struggles are forcing companies to think outside the box and invest in their employees. “Today’s workforce is seeking real-life connection and relationships,” said Casey Moeller, Business Engagement Manager for the Schertz Economic Development Corporation. “People want to feel valued, and as if the time they spend within the organization is making a difference.”
Hollingsworth LLC is a thriving warehousing and logistics company that can be found in the heart of the Schertz Industrial Park. They have been a trusted, leading provider of third-party logistics services for more than 30 years, becoming a part of the Schertz community in 2010. Hollingsworth encourages education and volunteerism in their organization and has won many awards for their recycling efforts. The company currently partners with Alamo Colleges, offering ESL (English as a Second Language) classes to their staff. The current cohort began on May 3rd, 2022, with 64 full time employees, consisting of 10 different nationalities, who speak 7 different languages benefitting from this partnership.
Classes are provided by certified instructors from Alamo Community College, at no cost to the employer or the student. Classes are held on-site at Hollingsworth’s training center twice a week. This gives employees from all three shifts an opportunity to attend on their own time. At the beginning of the 8-week course, employees were given a CASAS ESL test which measures proficiency in reading, writing, and pronunciation of the English language. Upon completion of the test, teachers were able to accurately determine the appropriate English level to start each employee at, ensuring the maximum benefit of the ESL course. Hollingsworth has already seen tremendous improvement in language skills amongst these employees in the workplace. The ESL students also utilize the Burlington English App that lets them learn not only in class, but also at home. At the end of this course, the students will receive a certificate from Alamo Colleges that can be applied toward credits for their GED and/or continuing college education. The overall goal of Hollingsworth and Alamo Colleges is to provide better opportunities for employees that can communicate effectively in the English language.
Luz Santos, who has been working with Hollingsworth for close to a year, says she feels grateful to be participating in such a valuable program. “It has benefit[ed] me at work and as a person. I learn something new in each class. I now feel more confident when speaking English at work and in my everyday life.” Although Santos is often tired after her shift, she is driven to utilize this great resource that her company and Alamo Colleges has offered her. “I don’t know of any other company that has done this for their employees before, for this I’m grateful.”
“Starting back with the ESL classes is the best thing that has happened post COVID for our employees that speak another language,” commented Blair Marceaux, HR Manager for Hollingsworth. “The Alamo Colleges have a new way to help our diverse employees learn English. It is interactive and they can learn on the go. From this new electronic version, we have had the highest attendance ever. “
The Schertz EDC is proud to have Hollingsworth LLC as a member of our business community, and grateful to have partners such as Alamo Colleges to help make opportunities like this possible.
Interested in having your business featured in our monthly newsletter? Please reach out to Ashley at aritchey@schertz.com.
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