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 ÃÛÌÒapp’s Global Scale of English and the Faethm by ÃÛÌÒapp 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
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.

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.Ìý

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 ÃÛÌÒapp language assessment, HR professionals can quickly and easily evaluate employee proficiency at scale. As both Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp 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 ÃÛÌÒapp 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 ÃÛÌÒapp 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 ÃÛÌÒapp. 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 ÃÛÌÒapp-conducted global customer survey of 34 Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp Test customers, 94% said using Versant by ÃÛÌÒapp 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'.

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A group of university students sat on the stone steps of a university campus

    From experience to innovation: How PTE Academic helped shape ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test

    By
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    When we launched the ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test, it’s true - we were not starting from scratch. We were building on years of experience, research, and innovation from PTE Academic, our globally recognised, high-stakes English test trusted by thousands of institutions.

    ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test may be new, but it is backed by everything we have learned from delivering millions of secure, accurate, and trusted assessments around the world.

    A legacy of trustÌý

    PTE Academic has been setting the standard for English language testing since 2009. It is known for its AI-powered scoring, robust security, and global recognition. Over the years, we have refined every part of the testing journey, from how we assess speaking and writing, to how we protect against fraud and ensure fairness.

    That legacy gave us a strong foundation to build something new. With ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test, we took the best of what we know and reimagined it for a different kind of test taker, one who needs speed, flexibility, and simplicity, without compromising on quality.

    What we carried forward

    ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test uses the same AI scoring technology that powers PTE Academic, trained on over 147,000 responses and verified by human experts. 

    This ensures that every score is consistent, fair, and accurate, no matter where or when the test is taken. We also brought our deep understanding of test security into the design of ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test. From dual-camera proctoring to biometric voice verification, every layer of the test is built to protect integrity and build trust. 

    And just like PTE Academic, ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is aligned to the Global Scale of English and mapped to CEFR levels, so institutions can set score requirements with confidence. 

    Designed for a new generation of learners

    While PTE Academic is ideal for students applying globally, ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is purpose-built for learners with their sights set on the United States. It is still faster, fairer and simple, all at a great price, without losing the rigour that institutions expect.

    Students can take the test from home, receive results in minutes, and get certified scores within 48 hours. That kind of accessibility is a game-changer, especially for students in remote regions.

    Why this matters for institutions

    By accepting ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test, institutions are not just offering another test option. They are offering a test backed by years of proven success. They are giving students a faster, more flexible way to apply, while maintaining the standards that support academic success.

    And for institutions already familiar with PTE Academic, ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is a natural extension, one that complements your admissions toolkit and helps you reach more students, more easily.

    Experience you can trust

    At ÃÛÌÒapp, we believe that innovation should be grounded in experience. That is why ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is not just a new test. It is the next step in our mission to make English testing more accessible, more secure, and more student-friendly.

    Because when we combine what we have learned with what students need today, we create something truly powerful.Ìý

  • A girl sat at a laptop with headphones on in a library

    5 myths about online language learning

    By
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Technology has radically changed the way people are able to access information and learn. As a result, there are a great number of tools to facilitate online language learning – an area that’s been the subject of many myths. Here we highlight (and debunk) some of the bigger ones…

    Myth #1: You will learn more quickly

    Although online learning tools are designed to provide ways to teach and support the learner, they won’t provide you with a shortcut to proficiency or bypass any of the key stages of learning.ÌýAlthough you may well be absorbing lots of vocabulary and grammar rules while studying in isolation, this isn’t a replacement for an environment in which you can immerse yourself in the language with English speakers. Such settings help you improve your speaking and listening skills and increase precision, because the key is to find opportunities to practise both – widening your use of the language rather than simply building up your knowledge of it.

    Myth #2: It replaces learning in the classroom

    With big data and AI increasingly providing a more accurate idea of their level, as well as a quantifiable idea of how much they need to learn to advance to the next level of proficiency, classroom learning is vital for supplementing classroom learning. And with the Global Scale of English providing an accurate measurement of progress, students can personalise their learning and decide how they’re going to divide their time between classroom learning and private study.

    Myth #3: It can’t be incorporated into classroom learning

    There are a huge number of ways that students and teachers can use the Internet in the classroom. Meanwhile, ÃÛÌÒapp’s online courses and apps have a positive, measurable impact on your learning outcomes.

    Myth #4:ÌýYou can't learn in the workplace

    Online language learning is ideally suited to the workplace and we must create the need to use the language and opportunities to practise it. A job offers one of the most effective learning environments: where communication is key and you’re frequently exposed to specialized vocabulary. Online language learning tools can flexibly support your busy schedule.

    Myth #5: Online language learning is impersonal and isolating

    A common misconception is that online language learning is a solitary journey, lacking the personal connection and support found in traditional classrooms. In reality, today’s digital platforms are designed to foster community and real interaction. With features like live virtual classrooms, discussion forums and instant feedback, learners can connect with peers and educators around the world, building skills together.

  • Woman on a laptop working focused in her office

    Helping students succeed with ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test

    By
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    When a student applies to university, they are not just submitting a form. They are sharing their potential. And when institutions review those applications, they need to be confident that the tools they use, especially English proficiency tests, are giving them a clear, accurate picture of that student’s readiness.

    That is why accuracy matters. It is not just about getting a number. For us, it is about setting students up for success and helping institutions make decisions they can stand behind.

    Getting it right from the start

    The ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test was designed to be fast and flexible, but never at the expense of accuracy. No – this was a top priority. Students can take it from anywhere, at any time, and receive results in minutes. But behind that speed is a powerful scoring engine that ensures every result is fair, consistent, and reliable.

    ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test uses AI trained on over 147,000 responses, with a 0.98 correlation to human scoring. That means institutions can trust that the scores reflect real ability. And every test is reviewed by a human expert before certification, adding another layer of quality control. Add to this that admissions teams can review written and spoken samples – it really is a multi-faceted approach to the reliability of scores.

    Why accuracy supports academic success

    When students are placed in the right programs based on accurate scores, they are more likely to thrive. They can keep up with lectures, contribute to discussions, and complete assignments with confidence. That leads to better outcomes, higher retention, and a more positive student experience.

    On the other hand, if a student is placed when their scores are not representative of their skills, it can lead to frustration, poor performance, or even dropout. That is why accurate scoring is not just a technical detail, it really is a foundation for student success.

    What this means for institutions

    For admissions teams, accurate scoring means fewer surprises. It means being able to confidently admit students who are ready to succeed. And it means fewer resources spent on support for students who were not quite prepared.

    It also supports your institution’s reputation. When students succeed, they become advocates. They share their stories, recommend your programs, and contribute to a thriving academic community.

    A commitment to quality – Across the board

    While ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is ideal for students who need a fast, flexible option, ÃÛÌÒapp also offers PTE Academic, both of which support U.S. study applications.Ìý

    Together, ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test and PTE Academic offer a complete solution, one that supports students at every stage of their journey and helps institutions make decisions with confidence.