San Jacinto College celebrates 23 graduates in workplace ESL partnership with Abacus

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installers are getting customized English as a Second Language training thanks to San Jacinto College's first workplace literacy cohort with Abacus Plumbing. 

Offered through the College’s Adult Education and Literacy Grant, the 10-week intensive course helped Abacus employees improve their English proficiency with a workplace-specific curriculum. After putting in 40 hours of course time, 23 technicians — many of whom are new Abacus employees — earned a certification. 

"We developed a curriculum that fits their needs based on the work they do day-to-day," said Roberto Mendez, adult education grants director. "We're not just teaching them ESL. We're teaching them ESL as it correlates to their job — customer-building skills, soft skills, and things like that. It's a win-win situation." 

The program taught Abacus installers essential skills, such as greeting customers, explaining work procedures, and providing safety warnings when working in homes. Beyond technical language skills, they gained confidence in workplace interactions. 

"One of the things they mentioned is that they now hold their head up high when they meet with their leaders," said Mendez. "In the past, they might have avoided conversation. Now they welcome that conversation with their leaders because they're more confident." 

The program was strategically scheduled during winter, when HVAC work typically slows down, providing income for workers during what would otherwise be a period of reduced pay. 

"The ESL class has been nothing short of transformative for our Spanish-speaking employees," said Lance Ellison, Abacus vice president of operations. "It has significantly improved their English-speaking and comprehension skills, allowing them to interact with customers, peers, and the community with newfound confidence."  

 Following the success of this initial cohort, Abacus and San Jac plan to expand the program to other business areas, including their electrical and plumbing departments.  

"We are committed to investing in our employees' growth and development. Our mission is to hire extraordinary people with the willingness and courage to do extraordinary tasks that improve their lives," said Tony Patiño, Abacus president. "This program is a testament to our dedication to providing opportunities for our team to enhance their skills and advance their careers. Thank you to San Jacinto College for their unwavering support and our employees for their hard work and dedication." 

San Jac’s grant-funded Adult Education and Literacy program offers services to individuals and employers to strengthen the workforce in the community. 

Beyond the workplace literacy program with Abacus, San Jac's adult education department offers ESL and GED courses, workforce certification funding for eligible students, the Internationally Trained Professionals program, and more. 

Students who enroll in the Adult Education and Literacy programs receive all the benefits of being a college student, including access to campus resources like libraries, computers, and the Marketplace. 

"The purpose of Adult Education and Literacy is to help our community get better skills for better pay and living," Mendez said.

Learn more about the services offered by San Jacinto College Adult Education and Literacy

About Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical

Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical has been serving Texas since 2003. Founded by master plumber Alan O’Neill, Abacus maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has earned multiple Awards for Excellence. The company hires only licensed, certified technicians who pass rigorous drug and background checks. Abacus offers upfront pricing and a 100% job satisfaction guarantee. As part of Wrench Group, LLC—a national leader in home repair services—Abacus contributes to serving over 700,000 customers annually across twelve markets and sixteen brands. For more information, visit www.abacusplumbing.net.

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.