More and more companies offer English training to their employees to improve communication with international clients, suppliers or teams spread across different countries. Choosing the right provider to deliver these classes, however, is not always a simple decision.
The market offers many options, from generalist academies to programmes designed specifically for corporate environments. If the choice is not made against clear criteria, the programme may end up being of little use to employees.
In this article we look at how to choose a specialist provider of English classes for employees in the workplace, which aspects are worth assessing and which questions training or procurement managers should be asking.
First, understand what the company needs
Before assessing providers, the company needs to be clear about the kind of training it requires.
Not every organisation uses English in the same way. Within one company, for example, needs can vary widely between departments:
- sales teams presenting products to international clients
- technical departments working with foreign suppliers
- administrative staff handling emails or documentation in English
If the company does not define these needs from the outset, it can easily end up buying a programme that is far too generic.
A specialist provider usually begins the process with a language needs analysis, which makes it possible to adapt the programme to the real working context.
Assess whether the provider has experience with companies
Not all language academies are used to working with corporate organisations.
Training for companies has particularities that do not always appear in conventional courses. For example:
- adapting content to the professional environment
- organising timetables compatible with the working day
- training geared to real work situations
A provider with experience in corporate environments usually understands these needs better.
It is also normally familiar with training different professional profiles, from sales teams to technical departments.
Check how employees’ level is assessed
Another important aspect when choosing a provider is the initial assessment system.
Before classes start, employees should ideally sit a level test. This makes it possible to form groups of participants with similar knowledge of the language.
Without this step, problems can arise such as:
- classes with widely differing levels
- a lack of participation from some learners
- difficulty maintaining a suitable pace
Initial assessments help create balanced groups and make learning easier.
Analyse the teaching methodology
The provider’s methodology is one of the elements that most influences the success of the programme.
Classes designed for companies usually focus on real professional communication situations.
For example, participants can practise skills such as:
- taking part in meetings in English
- writing professional emails
- delivering presentations
- explaining products or processes
When the content relates to employees’ daily work, it is easier to apply what they learn in the workplace.
Review the class format
The format is also an important factor to consider.
Companies can currently choose between different training formats, such as:
- in-person classes at the company’s premises
- live online training
- hybrid programmes
Each format has advantages depending on the type of organisation.
For example, in companies with teams spread across several cities, online training can make it easier for more employees to take part.
In-person classes, by contrast, can encourage interaction between participants when everyone works at the same site.
Assess the flexibility of the programme
A company’s activity can change frequently. Meetings, travel or urgent projects can affect employees’ availability.
For this reason, it is advisable for the provider to offer a degree of flexibility in the programme.
Some useful questions can be:
- can classes be rescheduled in the event of an absence?
- are there options for catching up on missed sessions?
- is it possible to adjust the calendar if the company’s needs change?
This flexibility makes it easier to keep the training going over the long term.
Check how progress is monitored
Language training programmes tend to deliver better results when there is monitoring of participants’ progress.
Some providers include tools such as:
- regular progress reports
- interim assessments
- individual feedback for learners
This kind of monitoring allows the company to understand how the learning is developing and to gauge the impact of the programme.
If you are interested in learning more about how companies manage language training in professional settings, you can read other content on the ALOS blog about languages and business communication.
Analyse the provider’s ability to adapt
A company’s language needs can change over time.
For example, an organisation may start by offering basic training to improve general communication and later need more specialised classes for particular departments.
A specialist provider should be able to adapt the programme as the company’s needs evolve.
This can involve changes to the content, to the number of groups or to the class format.
Warning signs when choosing a provider
Before making a decision, it is also worth watching for a few indicators that can flag problems ahead.
For example:
- completely standard programmes with no prior analysis
- no initial level assessment
- content with little connection to the professional environment
- little flexibility in timetables or programme structure
Spotting these signs in good time can prevent ineffective training programmes.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on how international the company is. Organisations working with international clients, suppliers or teams usually benefit most from this kind of training.
A provider with experience in corporate training usually adapts the content better to employees’ professional needs.
The duration depends on the company’s objectives and employees’ starting level. Many programmes are organised in cycles of several months.
Yes. Programmes designed for companies usually incorporate professional situations related to participants’ activity.
The English classes for employees in the workplace can become a very valuable tool for improving communication in international environments. Their effectiveness, however, depends largely on choosing the right provider to deliver the training.
Assessing aspects such as experience in corporate environments, teaching methodology, initial assessment and progress monitoring makes it possible to select programmes better suited to the company.
If your organisation is considering language training for its teams, ALOS can help you design English classes adapted to the professional context of your employees. Our team can advise you on creating a programme that meets your company’s real needs.