In 2024, Middlesex Community College partnered with Monogram Foods in Wilmington on a second Workforce Training Fund Program. Run by MCC’s Corporate Education and Training division, Middlesex assisted Monogram Foods in writing, submitting and securing the grant, as well as on offering trainings to employees.
“We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, results-driven courses to our corporate partners,” said Lisa Tuzzolo, MCC’s Senior Director of Corporate Education and Training. “In 2023, Monogram Foods reached out to us to apply for another Workforce Training Fund Grant, based on the strong positive feedback from both management and employees who participated in the previous grant program. We meet with the partner and the instructor to customize the course curriculum, maintaining close communication throughout the process to ensure classes run smoothly and meet organizational needs. Our goal is to equip employees with the skills they need to excel in their current roles while also supporting their long-term career development within the company.”
Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Monogram Foods has served as a strategic food manufacturer for co-manufacturing, private label and food service channels within the United States since 2004. The new grant is an extension of the college’s partnership with Monogram Foods from a previous grant in 2018.
The new two-year grant offers trainings in a hybrid model as a combination of onsite and online courses. Topics range from English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) to leadership courses on communication skills, email etiquette, managing challenges, and constructive feedback.
“The students consistently demonstrated enthusiasm for learning and improving their English skills,” said Charles Zhang, an MCC ESOL instructor. “Their dedication and teamwork fostered a supportive and engaging learning environment. I am also deeply appreciative of the excellent support provided by the HR manager and assistant, which made the teaching and learning experience even more enjoyable.”
“The participants come to class each week with warm greetings and enthusiasm for the class,” said Wayne Griffin, an MCC ESOL instructor. “Their attitude and commitment make the program a success in improving their communication skills in English. Everyone who lets me in the door before class is friendly and demonstrates an appreciation for the opportunity to enrich the lives of fellow employees.”
Scheduled to accommodate first and second shift workers, each class has had 10 to 15 students. All work on the manufacturing floor and want to improve their English to communicate with their peers and management at Monogram Foods.
“I have been in my office and listen to a tech talking in the hallway with another tech that only speaks English,” said Katia Rindeiko, a Human Resources Generalist for Monogram Foods. “They were communicating in English! I went back to her and said how proud I was of her. She had a big smile on her face! It’s rewarding!”
MCC ESOL instructor Sheila Fabiano appreciated that all students were motivated and eager to participate in class. A highlight for Fabiano was awarding students their certificates of completion on the last class, which included a celebration of their accomplishments.
“It was rewarding to see students who began class being very shy begin to take risks speaking English,” Fabiano said. “The more fluent speakers helped the other students with class assignments and encouraged them to participate creating an inclusive atmosphere. Camaraderie developed among the students as they cheered on each other’s success.”