The Background
Milwaukee Tool’s Wisconsin-based manufacturing plants reflect a commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, with ongoing initiatives aimed at improving diversity across various sectors of the company. Milwaukee Tool has made efforts to increase ethnic and racial diversity in its workforce by partnering with local organizations, educational institutions, and community groups to create opportunities for minority groups. This includes reaching out to African American, Hispanic, and Asian American communities to encourage interest in manufacturing careers.
The Challenge
Manufacturing plants in Sun Prairie and Mukwonago employ native speakers of Spanish, Burmese, and Hakha Chin. When management or other team members primarily speak English, miscommunication can lead to errors, inefficiencies, or safety concerns. Important instructions and safety protocols may be misunderstood. Another challenge with the language barrier is the training and advancement of skilled workers who may not advance to supervisory roles if they lack English proficiency. This lack of English proficiency trends toward a lower sense of belonging compared to native English speakers and this contributes to turnover.
The Solution
LTC designs training programs for specific purposes. Within our methodology, training content is prepared which is appropriate to the roles and current language skills of the workers who will need the English training. LTC limits classes to 10 students so that everyone has ample opportunity for practice in class and easy access to the instructor during class. Classes are held both onsite and virtually to accommodate logistical constraints in either Sun Prairie or Mukwonago. Class times are scheduled at times that work with the shifts of the employees taking the classes – 3rd shift included!
The Results
By providing English language training through LTC, Milwaukee Tool helps bridge the communication gap between employees who speak different native languages. This creates a more collaborative and efficient work environment, reducing misunderstandings and improving team dynamics. Employees who may have initially struggled with language barriers can now better understand instructions, safety protocols, and operational tasks, leading to improved productivity and fewer errors on the floor. Beyond efficiency and safety, there is increased job satisfaction which leads to increased retention, career growth, and leadership advancement for non-native English speakers. All these results bring a more positive external perception too, as Milwaukee Tool’s commitment to language training positions the company as an employer that values diversity and invests in its workforce. This can attract a broader range of candidates, including those who may have been hesitant to apply due to language barriers.
About LTC
LTC Language Solutions is a language service provider (LSP) offering solutions for local and national companies, organizations, government agencies, and individuals since 1993. LTC provides language training, cross cultural training, interpretation, translation, repatriation, language assessments, interpreter and people skills training. LTC has gained a reputation for high-quality, customized services provided through long-term relationships, maintaining some of the same clients for over 30 years.
