News

Dorchester County Adult Education and Scout Boats Celebrate Successful Partnership

 

 Workplace ESL Program completed by 22 employees

 

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (May 30, 2024) – Scout Boats is proud to announce the successful completion of an English as a Second Language (ESL) course provided to its employees through a partnership with Dorchester County’s Adult Education program. This initiative, part of the Workforce Literacy program, highlights the commitment of both Scout Boats and Dorchester County to enhancing the skills and productivity of the local workforce.

 

The Workforce Literacy program, offered by Dorchester County Adult Education, is designed to meet the specific needs of employers and employees by providing customizable literacy services. These services aim to measurably improve workforce productivity by delivering both academic and job-related workplace literacy instruction. The program contextualizes adult education materials, uses occupationally relevant content, and aligns textual materials with the specific needs of the employer and employees.

 

Conversations between Scout Boats and Renee’ Rivers, Program Coordinator for Adult Education, began in January 2024, leading to the commencement of the Workplace ESL classes on April 1, 2024. The course, led by ESL Instructor Rebecca Carter, successfully concluded last month, with more than 20 Scout Boats employees completing the program. This achievement underscores the positive impact of the Workforce Literacy program on improving communication skills and enhancing job performance among Scout Boats’ diverse workforce.

 

“We are incredibly grateful to be able to collaborate with Dorchester County Adult Ed to offer ESL classes to our Spanish-speaking team members,” said Sherrie Ferguson, HR Director for Scout Boats. “Investing in their education not only improves communication in the workplace, but also helps them to be better citizens in our community. We are extremely proud of the employees who completed the course.”

 

“We are excited and honored to continue serving Dorchester County residents and employers,” states Dorchester County Adult Education Director, Mrs. Wramie Spafford. “These partnerships are critical for enhancing and sustaining the employability and workforce skills needed by our employers.  Dorchester County Adult Education looks forward to more opportunities to work with more industries in the future.”

 

Industries in Dorchester County interested in providing similar opportunities for their employees are encouraged to contact Michelle McDonald of Dorchester County Economic Development for more information. Visit www.dorchesterforbusiness.com to learn more about workforce programs and other available services.