With the workforce becoming increasingly diverse, facility managers are increasingly dealing with workers who may not speak English. GAF Materials Corporation, a roofing manufacturer based in Wayne, NJ, recognized that the roofing industry workforce is part of this trend, as a growing number of workers installing roofs are Hispanic, which has created communication challenges in some instances. To facilitate better communication, GAF Materials Corporation and CARE (the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence), have produced an educational DVD entitled “What’s That Called? 150+ Simple Spanish Terms in Roofing”.
Narrated by John Arellano, GAF’s National Bilingual Training Manager for CARE, the DVD introduces the viewer to the most common English and Spanish terms used in roofing. As each phrase is introduced, a picture of the object is shown on the screen. The screen can then be paused after each phrase so the viewer can repeat it. Because the phrases are presented in both languages, the DVD is a learning tool for either English or Spanish speaking audiences. The program covers more than 150 common terms that are specific to the roofing industry and covers subjects such as roof components, tools, materials, courtesies, safety, and other important phrases.
The DVD is being offered for free through GAF Materials Corporation as a public service. Facility professionals can request the DVD by contacting a GAF territory manager in their region. Contact information can be found on the GAF Web site.
