Milgard Windows & Doors is partnering with Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainer Region to help eliminate career advancement barriers and bring growth opportunities to non-English-speaking Milgard employees in Tacoma, Wash.

As part of the #MascoMillionDifferences initiative, Milgard and Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainer Region announced the collaboration of a pilot program to bridge the gap for Milgard employees as it relates to their growth and development within the company.

Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) is a new program that includes instructional support from educators at Clover Park Technical College. Milgard has underwritten the project with a $25,000 grant provided by Masco Corporation, its parent company.

“We are so excited to partner with Goodwill to help eliminate workplace barriers,” said Lisa Ridgeway, Manager of Recruiting & Talent Management at Milgard. “We’ve worked with them on apprenticeship programs that help support job training and employment opportunities, so this new project utilizing their case management support and resources is a great fit for both of us.”

Milgard employs entry level workers who demonstrate varying levels of fluency in English as their second language. At times, these language deficiencies can slow their ability to advance within the company. It is anticipated that participation in this program will lead to greater employee retention, and higher job satisfaction rates.

Masco Corporation has committed $1 million of its 2018 charitable contributions to its Masco Million Differences campaign, which supports diversity and more inclusive practices in America’s corporate workplaces.