Why in-company language training is a great option in the current climate
Friday, 19th June 2009
In the current economic climate many companies are trying to reduce expenditure by freezing their employees’ pay, or only giving minimal raises. There are other ways the companies can compensate staff though, one of which is by providing language training.
In-company language training usually involves a language school or similar organisation sending their tutors into a company to teach the staff one or more foreign languages. The lessons might involve one-to-one or small group tuition perhaps once a week, or more frequently if necessary. When rapid progress in a short space of time is needed, for example, frequent, intensive lessons can be arranged. The language tutors will assess the employees’ language abilities before the start of the training to ensure that the lessons are at the appropriate level, and can assess the progress made after the courses.
This type of language training can be tailored to suit the specific needs of the company. For example, staff could learn useful and practical everyday phrases in foreign languages to help them to get by when they go on foreign business trips. Those who already have some knowledge of foreign languages could be taught how to talk about the company, their department and/or their particular area of expertise in them. This would be useful if they need to promote the company or sell its products or services abroad.
Staff with a good knowledge of foreign languages are valuable to the company: they can communicate effectively with foreign customers and clients (which can increase sales), can handle foreign correspondence and other written material, and can function more effectively when on foreign business trips. Moreover, if staff can speak other languages the need for interpreters and translators is reduced or eliminated, which can save both money and time.
For employees, in-company language training offers a chance to learn new languages or improve their knowledge of languages they already speak without having to finance it themselves. As well as providing useful and valuable new skills, such training can also be a source of motivation and enjoyment. As it usually takes place the company’s offices, it also means that the employees do not have to give up their free time, although those who also study the languages at home will make better progress. It can also help make and strengthen ties and friendships within and between departments, which is great for employee and employer alike.
More about tailor-made and individual language training options
More about in-company ‘taster’ sessions
Tags: english, spanish, french, german, italian, languages, tailor-made, language, course
Posted by Simon Ager under Attitudes to Language Learning,
Permalink