Target employees’ English language upskilling with the GSE Job Profiles

Samantha Ball
Coworkers sat at a table together, talking and smiling
Reading time: 4 minutes

Staying ahead requires not just talent but the right talent. For HR professionals, ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary skills is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. Enter the GSE Job Profiles—a game-changing tool designed to facilitate role-targeted upskilling by mapping English language skills to specific job roles. This blog post will explore how HR teams can leverage this innovative tool to enhance workforce capabilities efficiently and effectively.

The GSE Job Profiles utilizes app’s Global Scale of English and the Faethm by app skills ontology to provide a detailed analysis of the language requirements for nearly 1,400 job roles. This precise mapping allows HR professionals to make informed talent management decisions, including hiring, training and development, and ensuring that employees are adequately prepared for their roles now and in the future.

English language upskilling with GSE job profiles
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Why targeted upskilling matters

Upskilling is vital for both individual and organizational growth. Upskilling not only enhances employee performance but also boosts morale and retention.

In fact, say they would stay with their current organization if there was investment in their career development, and 9 in 10 employees are looking to their employer to provide English language training.

English in particular, is becoming an even more sought-after skill, with AI technology increasing the importance of soft skills such as teamwork and communication. And the emerging workforce agree, with 92% of Gen Z and Millennial workers believing English skills will be increasingly important for work in 5 years’ time.

By focusing on developing the specific English skills needed for success in a role, organizations can both optimize workforce efficiency and create a future-ready team.

The GSE Job Profiles simplifies the process of targeted upskilling by providing clear benchmarks for English language proficiency. Whether you’re hiring new talent or looking to supercharge your existing talents’ careers, HR teams can use these benchmarks to identify skills gaps and tailor language learning and development initiatives accordingly.

Integrating the GSE Job Profiles into your workforce planning strategy

To maximize the benefits of the GSE Job Profiles, HR professionals should incorporate the insights into their overall workforce planning strategy. Here are some key steps to consider:

Step 1: Define role-specific language requirements

The first step is to establish the English language proficiency levels required for each job role within the organization. The GSE Job Profiles provides a global reference point, detailing the necessary English levels across speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

Step 2: Assess current workforce capabilities

Once you have established the English language requirements, it's essential to assess the current proficiency levels of your workforce. This assessment will help identify any language skills gaps and highlight areas where targeted upskilling is needed.

Using tools like the Versant by app language assessment, HR professionals can quickly and easily evaluate employee proficiency at scale. As both Versant by app tests and GSE Job Profiles report on the Global Scale of English, you can immediately compare results against role benchmarks. This makes it easy to identify talent that has the right level of English skills for their roles and gain valuable insights into your team’s English language strengths and weaknesses.

Step 3: Implement targeted learning and development programs

With this insight, HR teams can develop tailored learning and development programs to address skills gaps or proactively develop skills for future roles as part of your workforce’s career progression. You can use apps like Mondy by app to help you with this.

Organizations can ensure that their upskilling efforts are effective and measurable by aligning language training programs with the GSE Job Profiles benchmarks.

The GSE underpins all app English Language learning materials. So, if you want a language training solution that features role-relevant language training, helps you track your team’s progress and is easy to implement, check out Mondly by app. With a dedicated dashboard, you can monitor your workforce’s English learning and help them reach their career goals.

Contact us to learn how we can support your language training

The impact of targeted upskilling for organizations

Implementing a targeted upskilling strategy using the GSE Job Profiles can yield significant benefits for organizations. Here are some of the key advantages:

Enhanced hiring processes

With accurate language skill profiles, recruiters can quickly identify candidates who meet the job requirements. This not only speeds up the hiring process but also improves the quality of new hires, as they are better equipped to perform their duties from day one.

In fact, in a 2023 app-conducted global customer survey of 34 Versant by app Test customers, 94% said using Versant by app tests helped reduce time-to-hire and 89% agreed it improves the quality of new hires.

Improved employee performance

72% of employees say they would find their job easier if they had better English skills. Organizations can enhance workforce performance by addressing English skills gaps and providing employees with the tools they need to succeed.

Employees who feel supported in their development are more likely to be engaged and productive, contributing to a positive workplace culture.

Increased retention and job satisfaction

of employees leave their jobs due to a lack of development. Upskilling initiatives can also lead to higher retention rates and increased job satisfaction. When employees see a clear path for growth and development, they are more likely to remain committed to the organization and motivated to achieve their career goals.

Overcoming challenges with language upskilling

While the benefits of language upskilling are clear, there are challenges that organizations may face when implementing such initiatives. Here are some tips for overcoming these obstacles:

Addressing resistance to change

Employees may be resistant to change, particularly if they feel their skills are being scrutinized. To address this, HR teams should communicate the benefits of upskilling clearly and involve employees in the planning process, ensuring they feel supported and valued.

Ensuring access to resources

Providing employees with access to the necessary resources is crucial for successful upskilling. Organizations should invest in a range of learning and development options, ensuring that employees have the tools they need to succeed.

Measuring success

Finally, it's important to measure the success of upskilling initiatives. By tracking progress against the GSE benchmarks, HR teams can evaluate the effectiveness of their programs and make data-driven decisions to refine and improve their strategies.

The future of language upskilling

As the business landscape continues to evolve, the importance of English language upskilling will only increase. The GSE Job Profiles provides HR professionals with the insights and tools needed to adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment.

Using target roles or identifying skills gaps helps you focus your language upskilling initiatives and create a workforce that is not only skilled but also agile, ready to meet the challenges of the future head-on.

In conclusion, the GSE Job Profiles is a powerful tool that can transform the way organizations approach upskilling. By aligning language proficiency with job roles, HR professionals can enhance recruitment, improve employee performance and build a future-ready workforce. For those looking to explore further, reach out to us to discover how the GSE Job Profiles can benefit your organization.

Get a free GSE Job Profiles demo

Read our posts 'Ensure your candidates have the right English proficiency' and 'Boost the quality of your hires with English proficiency testing'.

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    Balancing work, life, and learning: How adult learners navigate English language learning

    By Dr. Le Dinh Bao Quoc
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    Dr. Quoc is an author, educational solutions provider and AIED expert with over 20 years of experience in ELT and education in Vietnam. He is the Founder and CEO of Pro.Ed Education Solutions and Chief Officer of EduVerse, a global network supporting lifelong learning for educators. Dr. Quoc is also the author of The Art and Science of ChatGPT in Education and was named a LinkedIn Top Educational Leadership Voice in 2024. His work focuses on integrating AI into education to support personalized and flexible learning for teachers and learners.

    For many adult learners, mastering English isn’t just about gaining a new skill—it’s about unlocking opportunities in work, family and social spheres. But juggling English lessons alongside work, family obligations and social commitments is a challenge that can feel overwhelming.

    This guide explores the unique challenges adult learners face and how educators can support them with empathy, flexibility and effective strategies.

    The challenges of learning English as an adult

    Meet Le, a 35-year-old Vietnamese project manager who dreams of working for an international company. With a demanding full-time job and two young children, finding time for English lessons feels impossible. Missing classes and struggling to complete assignments leads to frustration and self-doubt—an all-too-common experience among adult learners.

    Many adults face similar challenges:

    • Balancing work, family and personal commitments leaves little time and energy for study.
    • Fatigue after a long day makes it difficult to concentrate or retain information.
    • Progress feels slow, which can be demotivating.

    Without practical support, the goal of English proficiency can seem out of reach.

    Strategies for overcoming challenges

    1. Setting SMART Goals

    Educators can guide learners to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. Breaking down larger objectives into small, measurable milestones gives learners a sense of achievement. For example, app’s Global Scale of English (GSE) provides actionable “Can-do” statements, such as:

    • Reading (GSE 37/CEFR A2+): Can understand simple personal emails.
    • Speaking (GSE 44/CEFR B1): Can give a short talk with visual support.

    These manageable goals create motivation and help learners like Le stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.

    2. Offering flexible learning options

    Flexibility is key for adult learners. Teachers can adopt strategies such as:

    • Modular lessons that can be completed in short sessions.
    • Micro-learning, including 10-minute daily practices using apps or quick grammar exercises.

    For learners like Le, micro-learning can easily be integrated into a work commute or lunch break.

    3. Blending learning with real-world scenarios

    Teaching English through practical, real-life contexts makes lessons more relevant and efficient. Using authentic materials like emails, meeting notes, or presentations mirrors learners’ daily lives and creates immediate applications for their new skills. For instance:

    • Help learners role-play workplace conversations.
    • Develop speaking proficiency for social interactions or workplace scenarios.

    This approach saves time and reinforces the usefulness of learning English, keeping learners motivated.

    4. Encouraging weekly reflection

    Reflection allows learners to monitor their progress, stay motivated and adapt their strategies. Teachers can:

    • Encourage learners to set weekly goals (e.g., learning new business vocabulary or practicing pronunciation for 15 minutes daily).
    • Use reflection journals to track achievements, identify challenges and adjust learning plans.

    This habit reinforces a growth mindset, helping learners make consistent progress amidst their busy schedules.

    Implementing the strategies

    Here’s how educators can apply these strategies effectively:

    1. Assess and set goals

    Work with learners to set realistic, measurable goals based on their personal motivations and schedules.

    2. Create flexible study plans

    Develop personalized study schedules that incorporate modular lessons and micro-learning techniques.

    3. Use authentic materials

    Include sample emails, presentations, or conversations that align with the learner’s work or life situations, making lessons more practical.

    4. Encourage accountability

    Implement tools like reflective journals or digital reminders to help learners stay on track and see their progress.

    5. Leverage personalized AI tools

    Use AI-powered tools to recommend tailored exercises, provide instant feedback and enable targeted practice in learners’ focus areas.

    Why It matters

    English proficiency opens doors to better job opportunities, stronger social connections and enriched personal growth. By providing empathetic and flexible support, teachers empower learners to achieve their goals without compromising their work-life balance.
    For educators seeking further resources, app’s GSE framework offers valuable tools to help adult learners succeed. Teachers can use these aids to track progress and personalize lessons for maximum impact.

    Celebrate education

    To mark the incredible work of educators helping learners balance work, life and study, we encourage you to share your own experiences and tips to others. Together, we can continue to empower lifelong learning and celebrate the role of education in transforming lives.