Start-up guide: Language training for your business

Samantha Ball
A business woman stood in front of a board of sticky notes, with others looking at the sticky notes.
Reading time: 4 minutes

As HR professionals, you understand the importance of equipping your workforce with the skills they need to thrive. One such critical skill is proficiency in business English. Implementing a corporate language training program can seem daunting, but with the right resources and a clear plan, you can set your organization on a path to success. Here’s a methodical guide to help you get started with resources to help you along the way.

Start-up guide: Language training for your business
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ÃÛÌÒapp can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Step 1: Assess your needs

Before diving into language training, it’s essential to understand your organization’s specific needs. Consider the following:

  • Identify roles and skills: Determine which roles require strong English proficiency. Use tools like the GSE Job Profiles to map English skills to over 1300 roles.
  • Evaluate current proficiency: Use automated English language tests like Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp to assess the current proficiency levels of your employees. This will help you identify gaps and tailor your training programs accordingly.

Step 2: Choose the right training solutions

Selecting the appropriate training solutions is crucial for the success of your language program. ÃÛÌÒapp offers a variety of options to suit different needs:

  • Digital Language Tutor: For scalable, remote learning, consider Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp and its Digital Language Tutor. This platform uses AI-powered Conversation Partners to simulate corporate scenarios, enhancing listening and speaking skills in relevant business contexts.
  • Instructor-led courses: For more personalized learning, explore courses like Business Partner and Step Up. These programs focus on developing business English and soft skills through authentic business situations and teamwork exercises.

Step 3: Develop a comprehensive plan

A well-structured plan ensures that your language training program is effective and sustainable. Here’s how to get started:

  • Set clear objectives: Define what you aim to achieve with your language training program. Whether it’s improving customer service, enhancing internal communication, or supporting international business expansion, having clear goals will guide your efforts.
  • Create a curriculum: Use tools like the to create job-specific language profiles and design a curriculum that aligns with your objectives.
  • Integrate assessments: Regularly assess your employees’ progress using tools like Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp. This will help you measure the effectiveness of your training and make necessary adjustments.

Step 4: Secure stakeholder buy-in

Gaining support from key stakeholders is critical for the success of your language training program. Here’s how to build a compelling case:

  • Highlight the Benefits: Use data to demonstrate the tangible benefits of language training, such as improved customer satisfaction, increased revenue, and enhanced employee engagement. Refer to resources like the Global English Proficiency Report for insights.
  • Calculate ROI: Use our business case template to calculate the potential return on investment (ROI) of your language training program. This will help you present a well-rounded argument to decision-makers.

Step 5: Implement and monitor

Once you have your plan and stakeholder support, it’s time to implement your language training program:

  • Launch the program: Roll out the training program across your organization. Ensure that employees understand the objectives and benefits of the training.
  • Monitor progress: Regularly track the progress of your employees using assessments and feedback. Use this data to make necessary adjustments and ensure continuous improvement.

Explore further

For additional insights, watch the webinar series 'The Power of Language Training and Assessment for Businesses.' This series is designed for HR innovators, talent acquisition and development professionals, people managers, and business leaders. It covers how integrating English language training and assessments into your talent strategy can power business success. The webinars feature exclusive product demos, real case studies, and the latest data and research, making them a must-watch to set your workforce up for success.

For more resources, explore our comprehensive collection of articles, reports and tools:

By following these steps and leveraging ÃÛÌÒapp’s innovative solutions, you can empower your workforce with the language skills they need to excel in today’s global business environment. Start your corporate language training journey today and unlock the full potential of your organization.

Get in touch and start your company language journey

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A teacher sat at the front of the class holding a book reading it to a class of young children who are sat on the floor

    Romantic Readers and classroom ideas to celebrate Valentine’s day

    By Iram Ahmed
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Love is in the air on February 14th, with hearts, red roses and boxes of chocolates everywhere. We’re all set for the big day, and to help you prepare as well, here are six of our favorite love stories for learners of all ages and levels. There are also plenty of fun ideas for your classroom.

    1.ÌýCinderellaÌý(Level 1)

    Poor Cinderella lives with her stepmother and two horrible stepsisters. They treat her badly, making her cook and clean, while they relax and wear beautiful clothes. However, one night, Cinderella gets the chance to sneak away and attend a fabulous ball. She meets a handsome prince…but must run away before he discovers her true identity. With only a glass shoe to help him, will the prince ever find Cinderella?

    How to use this Reader in class:

    It’s no surprise that the story has a happy ending. After reading the story, have the learners draw a picture and write about Cinderella’s new life in the castle, with her loving new family.

    2.ÌýLady and the TrampÌý(Level 3)

    This classic Disney story tells the tale of two young dogs who come from different backgrounds. Lady lives in a house while Tramp lives on the street. However, one day, Lady is forced to leave the house and the life she knows. Tramp teaches her about life on the streets and the two dogs fall in love… but with the dog-catcher always chasing them, will the story have a happy ending?

    How to use this reader in class:

    After reading the story, why not watch the animated version with your students? They can choose their favorite character from the movie and write a description of them.

    Looking for more romantic Readers for young learners? How aboutÌýThe Little MermaidÌý(Level 2) orÌýAladdinÌý(Level 5)? There’s something for everyoneÌýin our catalog.

    3.ÌýPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black PearlÌý(Level 2)

    If your teenagers are looking for more adventure than romance, this Reader has both. Follow crazy Jack Sparrow, handsome Will and brave Elizabeth as they fight pirates and uncover the curse of the Black Pearl. But will Elizabeth and Will survive the dangerous life on the seven seas?

    How to use this Reader in class:

    After reading the story, why not ask your students to write a review of it? It’s a great way for them to summarize the plot and share their opinion.

    4.ÌýPride and PrejudiceÌý(Level 5)

    A timeless classic,ÌýPride and PrejudiceÌýtells the story of young Elizabeth Bennett. As the oldest daughters in a family of five, she and her sister Jane are both expected to find good husbands and marry soon. But will Elizabeth find love, or will no man be good enough for her?

    How to use this Reader in class:

    While reading the story, learners can keep a diary, writing entries in the voice of Elizabeth Bennett. This helps them to demonstrate their understanding of the novel and encourages them to have a more empathetic reaction to the story’s heroine. They can either write the diary entries using typical language from Jane Austen’s day, or updating it to more modern language.

    Here’s an example:

    I had the ‘pleasure’ of meeting Mr Darcy today and found him rather rude and reserved. I imagine he feels this country life is inferior and that the locals are uncultured simpletons!

    or

    Met Mr Darcy today – what a stuck-up dork! He just stood there, looking down his nose at everyone… you can see he thinks he’s better than us locals.

    If you think your teenage learners would enjoy a different modern or classic tale of romance, check out our readersÌý. There are plenty to choose from, includingÌýRomeo and JulietÌý(Level 3),ÌýLove ActuallyÌý(Level 4) andÌýMadame BovaryÌý(Level 6).

    5.ÌýTales from the Arabian NightsÌý(Level 2)Ìý

    What would you do if you needed to fascinate a king to save your life? This is the problem Sheherezade faces when she marries a king who has killed all his previous wives. So she tells her new husband exciting, mesmerizing stories every night and always ends the tale with the king wanting to hear more. She tells him stories of adventure, love and mystery… and you can read her stories too in this Level 2 Reader.

    How to use this reader in class:

    After reading the book, have students vote on their favorite story from Sheherezade. They can then work in groups to present a short play of one of the stories, working together to write a short script.

    6.ÌýWuthering HeightsÌý(Level 5)Ìý

    Unfortunately, the path of true love isn’t always easy. Set in 19th Century Yorkshire, this tragic romance follows the story of Catherine and Heathcliff. The two childhood friends grow up together very closely. However, although she loves him deeply, Catherine can’t marry Heathcliff because of his lower social status. Instead, she marries another man, Edgar. How will Heathcliff react to this news? Will Catherine and Edgar be happy together?

    How to use this reader in class:

    At one point inÌýWuthering Heights, Heathcliff runs away from home because he thinks Catherine is embarrassed by him and doesn’t love him. Have the learners write a letter from Catherine to Heathcliff at that point, expressing her regrets about why they can’t be together. It provides students with the opportunity to use phrases such asÌýIf only…,ÌýI wish…ÌýandÌýI should have…Ìýwhilst demonstrating their understanding of the novel so far.

    If Yorkshire moors and Arabian nights aren’t quite what your students are looking for, there are more tales of romance on our site. Choose from modern-day love stories such asÌýNotting HillÌý(Level 3) andÌýLisa in LondonÌý(Level 1) or classics likeÌýAnna KareninaÌý(Level 6) andÌýPersuasionÌý(Level 2).

    If you enjoyed this post here are some more practical posts to get your students engaged in reading, 'How to bring Shakespeare to life in the classroom'Ìýand 'How to motivate reluctant readers'.

  • Young children stood in a row clapping and celebrating with a christmas tree in the background

    Classroom tips: 12 days of Christmas

    By Iram Ahmed

    With the holiday season approaching, it’s good to add some fun into teaching to keep your students engaged and motivated. We’ve created 12 simple classroom activities and tips that you can carry out with your primary class to encourage them to be good.