October 3, 2011
Nation's Building News

The Official Online Newspaper of NAHB

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Workforce Development
Sed de Saber English Language Learning Tool Available Free to Members, HBAs Till Oct. 31
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Until Oct. 31, the Home Builders Institute (HBI), the workforce development arm of NAHB, is offering NAHB members and home builders associations free copies of the “Sed de Saber – Construction Edition,” the home building industry’s English as a second language (ESL) learning system.

Developed by industry experts to ensure relevancy in the construction sector, Sed de Saber uses an innovative Leapfrog technology found in millions of electronic learning programs to help teach Spanish-speaking workers 340 English-language phrases and more than 500 vocabulary words to develop conversational English-language skills.

Students using Sed de Saber simply open the system and are guided through lessons found in seven interactive booklets.

“This free offer gives HBAs and NAHB members the opportunity to make a difference and generate goodwill in their communities,” says HBI Chairman Don Pratt. “The Sed de Saber-Construction Edition can change lives and help make job sites safer and far more productive.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Spanish-speaking workers experience the highest accident and injury rates among all workers on construction sites.

Language barriers — such as not understanding construction terminology and safety information —commonly cause the accidents.

HBI recommends that members and HBAs consider the following community outreach strategies when sharing the Sed de Saber-Construction Edition systems:

  • Market Sed de Saber as a resource for builder, remodeler and associate members to use with their workforce partners.
  • Donate editions to public libraries, high schools or two-year schools that offer ESL training.
  • Partner with a local Hispanic contractors association by donating systems for their members.
  • Donate systems to a local literacy organization. They can be found by working with such HBI partners as Literacy Powerline and   ProLiteracy.
  • Identify and contact local Hispanic-serving organizations for donations.

To Order Free Copies

To order free copies of the “Sed de Saber-Construction Edition” learning system from HBI, email sedorders@hbi.org. Orders must be received by Oct. 31.

When ordering, include the following information:

  • Number of systems requested
  • Contact and HBA names
  • Mailing address
  • Telephone number

Sed de Saber – Construction Edition systems are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Nominal shipping and handling charges apply.

 

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