In the Minnesota English Language Program (MELP), we specialize in English language training for multilingual workforces, helping organizations strengthen communication, boost employee confidence, and enhance productivity across all levels. As part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Continuing and Professional Studies, MELP offers customized workplace and professional English programs designed to support all types of employees in developing the language skills they need to succeed.
Workplace English Programs for Beginners
These industry-specific workplace English programs help entry-level and front-line employees improve everyday communication and build confidence on the job. Courses are customized to each organization’s unique workplace needs—whether in manufacturing, long-term care, hospitality, or facilities management—and help participants develop the English skills needed for workplace safety, teamwork, and advancement.
Example Solutions:
- A 10-week (20-hour) beginner English course for facilities management/custodial employees aimed at developing common workplace communication skills with focus on workplace vocabulary and jargon.
- A 10-week (20-hour) beginning English course for warehouse employees aimed at improving employees’ ability to talk about their job duties with coworkers and ask questions.
English Programs for Professionals
These professional English courses help intermediate to advanced speakers enhance their communication and presentation skills in professional and fast-paced settings. Participants build confidence in supervisory communication, meeting participation, and client interaction, with options tailored to industries such as healthcare, education, business, and law.
Example Solutions:
- A 10-week (15-hour) course for early literacy teachers focused on developing US-based English pronunciation and grammar skills to support effective classroom communication.
- A 7-week (14-hour + online) hybrid pronunciation course for advanced learners of English looking to develop pronunciation skills with focus on stress, rhythm, intonation, and techniques for independent practice; this course combines in-person and asynchronous online learning.
- A 5-week (10-hour) course for executives in a multinational corporation which included work on presentation skills, email writing, pronunciation, and intercultural communication.
One-on-One Language Coaching
Our individualized English coaching sessions pair participants with experienced ESL professionals to focus on personal goals such as pronunciation improvement or effective customer service or client communication, or accent clarity. Sessions are available online or in person and designed to deliver measurable results through customized feedback and guided practice.
Example Solution:
- A five-session (approximately 5 hours) one-on-one English coaching package for a professional aimed at improving their pronunciation and speaking skills with focus on individualized goals and guided practice.
Supporting Supervisors in Multilingual Workplaces
Supervisors play a key role in creating understanding and collaboration within multilingual and multicultural teams. Our professional development courses provide practical tools to help leaders strengthen communication, foster inclusion, and support every employee’s success.
Learn more about:
- Communicating Across Cultures — Strengthen your ability to navigate cultural differences and foster mutual understanding.
- Allyship: Creating an Inclusive Workplace — Develop practical strategies for supporting equity and belonging across teams.
- Emotional Intelligence — Enhance empathy, self-awareness, and relationship-building—the foundation of effective leadership.
Browse the complete portfolio of professional development courses to discover more opportunities to strengthen workplace communication and leadership.