Workplace Literacy-Employers

Build the Workforce You Need — By Developing the Talent You Already Have

According to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Section 203(16), Workplace adult education and literacy is a programming model offered in collaboration with an employer or employee organization at a workplace or an off-site location that is designed to improve the productivity of the workforce.

Recruiting skilled workers is more challenging than ever. Workplace Literacy partnerships offer a practical, cost-effective way to strengthen your workforce by helping employees build the foundational and occupational skills needed to perform confidently and safely on the job.

Illinois Adult Education programs can bring high-quality, customized learning directly to your workplace — improving communication, productivity, and retention.

Why Partner with Workplace Literacy Programs?

Strengthen Your Workforce from Within Workplace Literacy supports employees who may need help with reading, writing, English language skills, or digital literacy, as well as instructional support for occupational training and credential attainment (i.e. OSHA, ServSafe). These programs help workers grow into more capable, confident team members — while minimizing the need for constant outside hiring.

Improve Retention & Employee Engagement Employees are more likely to stay when they feel valued and see opportunities to grow. Workplace Literacy training boosts morale, reduces turnover, and helps workers feel supported in their professional development.

Enhance Communication, Safety & Efficiency Clear communication skills improve teamwork and customer service, while stronger reading and comprehension skills support accurate understanding of policies, procedures, and safety requirements — reducing costly errors and workplace risks.

Support Employees Who Need Foundational Skill Development Workplace Literacy targets real needs such as English Language Acquisition, improving reading comprehension, helping workers navigate technology, and supporting credential attainment for occupational advancement.

Cost-Effective & Flexible Training Options Because Workplace Literacy is supported through state and federal Adult Education funding, employers can receive high-quality training services at low or no direct cost. This allows businesses of all sizes to invest in their workforce affordably.

What We Provide — and How the Partnership Works

Rustic Road Farms and an Assistant Dean explain their WPL program:

Smithfield Foods HR directors explain their English language skill WPL program:

In this video, the Adult Education director explains their WPL partnership with employers:

Our Workplace Literacy programs are designed around the real work your employees do and are developed in close partnership with your organization.

Workforce Skills Assessment
We meet with your team to identify skill gaps, communication challenges, and training priorities aligned with your operational goals. See examples of employer-based assessments from Tennessee below here:

Customized, Contextualized Training
Instruction is built around your industry, job tasks, and workplace expectations — such as understanding safety information, completing forms, using workplace technology, and communicating effectively.
Training plans are tailored based on employee skill assessments and employer goals.

- Hotel English from Pui Tak, developed by Sarah Huang.
- World Relief curriculum for NRS 1-3
- World Relief curriculum for NRS 4+

Flexible Instruction Delivery
Training can be delivered on-site at your facility, off-site at an adult education center, or online — during work hours or at scheduled training times.

Support for Diverse Learning Needs
Instruction may include literacy development, English language acquisition, math skills, workplace technology skills, workplace communication, employability skills, occupational training, and attainment of industry-recognized credentials.

Progress Monitoring & Employer Feedback
Employers receive updates on employee progress, and instruction is adjusted as needed to ensure meaningful outcomes.

Continued Learning Opportunities
Employees can continue building skills to support long-term performance, retention, and career growth.

Who Workplace Literacy Helps-and Why Employers Invest

Workplace Literacy supports employees in building the foundational skills needed to succeed on the job, including:

Reading, comprehension, and clear workplace communication
Understanding safety procedures and documentation
English language development
Using workplace technology effectively
Preparation for occupational training and industry-recognized credentials

For employers, this leads to:

Increased productivity and fewer errors
Improved safety compliance
Stronger communication and teamwork
Higher employee engagement and retention
A more capable, credentialed workforce

Workplace Literacy is a practical investment in your people—and your bottom line.

Let’s build a stronger, more skilled workforce — together.