I find that the English File Third edition works in most contexts. While some blue-collar workers may not be up to speed with some of the vocabulary used, the same problem often happens with people from the "professions." I have had senior management ask what an adverb is. I think you will need speaking games to consolidate. As long as the grammar terms are explained in a succinct manner, I don�t think you�ll get too many problems. 

Many years ago, I had a group of firemen who had been forced to come to classes and one of them was pulled out of retirement (otherwise they were going to cancel his pension! never mess with the US military!). The older guy could barely read and write in Spanish. At first, I just used a lot of question games and had him answer "yes" or "no" for everything. His listening comprehension was spot on at the end of the course and he was even capable of saying simple sentences. I think that was the most difficult group I ever had. three of the men were upper intermediate. Very tricky, but a wonderful experience. 

A huge thank you Spinney for your quick answer. I�ve been working with English File for some time and I must say I really like the book. I�ve even considered this option but it seems too dense for a 60-hour course. 

 

Hope I can get some more recommendations. 

Hi, Mada! I have been missing your wonderful worksheets and games!

Well, I�ve worked in a factory where the management were "forced" to learn English and one of the guys (who was the maintenance services manager) had no complete formal education. I used to to a lot of speaking activities and games with them. I used the American English File split edition (only 6 units in each half) and that had  a good psychological impression on them as they finished the book! That guy has made quite a significant progress and, as Spinney said before, tricky but wonderful. I belive the secret is repetition and recycling the contents constantly. Good luck!

Hi Maria! Thank you for your nice words.

As for English File, it works well with managers and associate professionals, but I�m looking for a textbook that could be used with manual workers. 

I�ve just had a good look through some PDFs of ESL books that I have saved and it�s all the same. Any chapters that speak about work seem to focus on middle-class jobs. I thought Headway was the best until I saw the chapters about work, and then it�s all about doctors, lawyers, engineers etc. At least it mentioned postal workers and waiters. I looked at Cutting Edge and found much the same. I think English File is a little better in that respect. I�ve noticed the same for specialist books. I have two very good books for engineers, a load of stuff for IT and there are vocabulary books for a host of middle class jobs. As it goes, I have just uploaded a worksheet for working with machines (operatives and fitters) but that�s B2 level and is only good for two or three classes.

I think you have hit on an important point here Mada. Perhaps The Raymond Murphy books combined with the Pater Watcyn Jones books for vocab could work, but you would need to prepare a lot beforehand.  

Edit: I just came across this. Some of it looks usable.