Corporate Language Training

FREE ESL for CDL Training - REGISTER NOW!

The Community College of Rhode Island, in partnership with the City of Providence, Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston, and the American Job Center, is pleased to offer FREE ESL for CDL Classes.

This 3-week, targeted English language program for Providence Residents is designed to help commercial drivers strengthen the communication skills needed to understand and meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) English-language requirements.

Classes begin on September 21, 2026

Seats are limited! 

Program Highlights:

• ESL Instruction Focused on CDL Success

Improve listening, speaking, reading, and vocabulary skills for the road and the workplace.

• Industry-Specific Language Training

Learn the terminology, phrases, and communication skills needed for CDL training and on-the-job success.

• FMCSA-Focused English Preparation

Practice the English skills drivers need to understand road signs, communicate with officials and inspectors, respond to questions and instructions, and demonstrate English proficiency in commercial driving situations.

Program Information:

• Please note that this program is currently available to Providence residents only.
• For current and aspiring Class A and Class B CDL Drivers
• Classes meet three days per week at CCRI in Warwick for three weeks, providing 30 hours of targeted English-language instruction to Intermediate level learners.

Program Start Date: September 21, 2026

TWO CLASS OPTIONS
Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:00 - 8:00 pm and Saturdays, 9:00 am–1:00 pm
     OR
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00 - 8:00 pm and Saturdays, 9:00 am–1:00 pm

Location: CCRI Warwick Campus 400 East Avenue, Warwick

 

REGISTER TODAY!

 

For more information:

Stephen Boyle, 401-680-5100 Executive Director, American Job Center
Steve Reilly,  401-680-5129 Senior Job Developer, American Job Center
Kathy O’Neil Evans, 401-455-6042 CCRI Director of Adult Education

This program is made possible through funding provided by the City of Providence. ENGLISH SKILLS. DRIVING FUTURES

 

Are you an employer looking for Corporate Language Training?

Rhode Island’s top employers partner with CCRI to ensure their workforce is ready for the economy of tomorrow. Workforce training funding is available for many of these programs, so some training may be FREE.

Benefits of Corporate Language Training (CLT)

• More confidence in employers/employees' abilities to conduct business in another language and represent the organization
• Greater oral communication fluency for in-person business situations
• Accurate use of appropriate workplace terminology
• Increased professionalism for interaction with clients and coworkers
• Enhanced comprehension skills, clarity, and pronunciation

The CCRI Adult Education team designs courses to address the unique needs of a learning group and their employer. We collaborate with the employer to set a schedule that complements the workplace schedule and delivers effective education. Instructors target communication challenges identified by the employer with high-quality, interdisciplinary language instruction. CCRI is currently offering courses in English and Spanish.

For more information on Corporate Language Training or English Language Studies contact us 455-6019 [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are classes offered?

CLT classes are offered at the workplace or at CCRI.

How do you customize?

Courses focus on development of language that is directly relevant for employees in that setting. Instructors assess the skill of the group and set course objectives to target communication challenges identified by the employer with high-quality, interdisciplinary language instruction. Instructors incorporate a variety of diverse, functional, real-world material from the workplace and integrate use of technology for communication. Throughout the planning stages and implementation of the course, employers will be in contact with the coordinator who will guide you through the process, follow-up with course details and progress, and be available for any modifications along the way.

What are common course topics?

1. Workplace Communication: greeting and introductions, asking/answering common questions, making "small talk", reporting problems, scheduling, making suggestions, asking for/giving clarification, apologizing, business correspondence

2. Directions and Instructions: quality control language, job commands, rules/regulation/warnings, accidents and emergencies, prioritizing and sequencing, giving/following directions

3. Job-Specific Terminology: identification of one’s job, setting and describing tasks, understanding responsibilities, identifying/describing tools, equipment, products/processes, etc.

4. Multicultural and Social Aspects: food and health, personal habits/appearances, cultural values of the American workplace, understanding workplace hierarchies, understanding appropriate problem-solving strategies

5. Company Organization: management functions, policies, procedures, and benefits, Performance reviews, rewards and recognition, understanding career opportunities and the need for training

What if I only have a few people that need training?

CCRI can form classes from multiple companies within an industry. Employers can also offer professional development to their staff by covering tuition in the public CCRI programs, which include multiple language options.