In a business environment, strong communication is key. English language corporate training can help your team improve their English language skills, enhancing how they work and communicate with others. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right programme for your business? This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider.
What is corporate English training?
Corporate English training helps your employees improve their English language skills for the workplace. These English training programmes focus on practical skills like writing emails, giving presentations, and taking part in meetings.
Whether your team is learning basic business English or advanced communication skills, English language corporate training is the key to building their confidence and boosting productivity at work.
Considerations when choosing a corporate English language training programme
Understanding your company's needs and goals
The first step in choosing the right corporate English training is to assess your company's specific needs and goals. Does your team need help with general language learning, or do they need to learn industry-specific business English? Is the focus on improving their overall communication skills, or do they need help with specific tasks, like negotiating or communicating with clients? By understanding your goals, you can find a training programme that matches your objectives.
Choosing in-person, virtual, or hybrid learning
With many options available, it's important to decide whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid learning is best for your team. In-person English classes allow for direct interaction, while online courses offer flexibility and convenience. A hybrid approach can give your team the best of both worlds. Think about which approach will suit your team’s learning style and your company’s objectives.
Customising the programme for your industry
Every industry has its own language and jargon. A good English language corporate training provider will offer a tailored programme with industry-specific vocabulary and scenarios. Whether your team works in finance, healthcare, or technology, it’s important that their training reflects the language they’ll use every day. This customisation ensures that your team is learning relevant terms and phrases that will help them to thrive in their roles.
Flexible scheduling to avoid business disruption
When introducing English training programmes into your company, flexibility is key. Look for programmes that offer flexible schedules to make sure there is minimal disruption to your operations. Whether it’s online courses that can be completed at the employee’s own pace or structured scheduling for in-person sessions, flexibility will make it easier for your team to fit their training into their workdays.
Recognising quality corporate training providers
Not all English language corporate training providers are equal. When considering your options, be sure to look at reviews, case studies, and testimonials to see how other businesses have benefitted from each provider’s services. High-quality providers will give clear examples of how their programmes have helped other companies improve their team’s communication skills and performance.
Certification and accreditation of the programme
When choosing a programme, it’s important to make sure it is certified or accredited by a recognised body. This way, you will know that the English training programme meets a high standard of teaching and learning. Certification can also give your team formal recognition of their new language skills, which can be a great way to motivate them.
Industry expertise of the training provider
Lastly, make sure the provider has experience in your industry. Providers with industry expertise will be more familiar with the day-to-day challenges your team faces and can offer more relevant language learning materials. This will help equip your team with English language skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
Let us help your team succeed
Looking to improve your team’s English communication skills? The British Council offers tailored English language corporate training solutions to meet your business needs. With flexible options, expert trainers, and customised programmes, we can help your employees gain the skills they need to thrive in a business environment.