Building Language, Boosting Safety: NC State’s New English Program Empowers Employees

In January 2025, NC State’s Intensive English Program (IEP) launched a new workplace English language program aimed at enhancing safety and communication skills for NC State Dining employees. The initiative provided hands-on instruction twice a week, helping participants strengthen their English proficiency while building confidence on the job.

The 12-week course, which ran through late April, focused on essential language skills related to safety, food preparation and workplace communication. With more than 20 participants attending classes in the Carmichael Gym Teaching Kitchen, the program offered a practical, immersive environment where employees can apply their new skills in real-time.

Bridging Language Gaps to Improve Safety

The program was created in response to a growing need for improved communication among NC State’s workforce. NC State Dining leaders, including Director of Board Operations and Sustainability Keith Smith, recognized that some employees with limited English proficiency faced challenges understanding workplace instructions — particularly around safety protocols. 

“Language barriers can create frustration and safety concerns when working in a busy kitchen,” said NC State Dining’s Director of Nutrition and Wellness Lauren Smith. “We noticed this was a concern as our staff has continued to become more diverse, but we’d never been able to identify a solution until we learned about the Intensive English Program on campus.” 

The course was split into two phases. The first six weeks focused on foundational skills, including vocabulary building, question formation and clarification strategies. The latter half covered specialized kitchen safety terminology, such as ingredient identification, allergy awareness and proper food handling instructions.

“We have had an ongoing collaboration between the Intensive English Program and NC State Dining to ensure that we are covering all topics required by the administration, but also addressing the learning wants and needs of the students,” said Dr. Justin Berg, the program’s lead instructor. “Thus far, feedback from participants has been outstanding. It is indeed heartwarming to see how well the class has been received and how enthusiastic the learners are about it and about continuing their learning!”

Hands-On Learning in the Kitchen

One of the program’s key features was its immersive, hands-on approach. Held in the Carmichael Gym Test Kitchen, the classes incorporated real-world scenarios, allowing participants to practice following recipes, interpreting allergy warnings and communicating with colleagues.

“Employees are learning action verbs like ‘chop’ versus ‘slice’ in context, which helps them grasp both the language and the skills they need,” IEP Director Catherine Madden explained. “It’s building their confidence to ask questions and confirm instructions without hesitation.”

To cap off the course, participants completed a low-pressure, pass/fail assessment by collaboratively preparing a new recipe, applying the language skills they’ve acquired. The program concluded with a certificate ceremony on April 22, recognizing participants’ achievements.

A Lasting Impact on Work and Beyond

The program’s benefits extend far beyond the workplace. Many participants, some of whom have worked at NC State for over a decade, reported feeling more confident communicating in everyday situations — whether at their children’s schools, hospitals, or local businesses.

Supervisors also noticed positive changes. “The staff have made so many positive comments about the program and how they are excited every week,” said Keith Smith. “We have also had many employees voice how they want to be in the next series of classes. One comment made by a worker who was a dishwasher was, ‘When I finish the class, I want to become a cook.’ This is an employee that has worked over 15 years with Dining and now feels empowered to be more.”

Expanding Opportunities for More Employees

Due to the overwhelming success of the English language program with NC State Dining, the Intensive English Program (IEP) is planning to expand the initiative this fall to include employees from NC State’s Facilities division. By offering the same hands-on, workplace-focused instruction, IEP aims to build on the program’s strong foundation and continue empowering employees with essential language skills that enhance safety, communication and confidence on the job.

“We’ve seen how impactful this program can be for Dining, and we’re excited to extend the opportunity to other departments,” said Madden. “We want to continue supporting our employees by giving them the tools they need to succeed.”

Looking ahead, IEP hopes to offer this type of workplace language training to local companies, building on its past collaboration with businesses like Cooper Electric.

As NC State continues its commitment to fostering a supportive work environment, programs like this exemplify how investing in language education can strengthen safety, build confidence and create a more connected campus community.