Many companies identify the same need: improving their teams’ level of English so they can work better with clients, suppliers or international offices. Yet when it comes to deciding how to do it, real doubts appear: a traditional academy, an online platform or in-company training?
In this article we look at the differences between these three options, with practical examples, to help you make a decision aligned with the objectives of your company and your team.
Language academy: structure and a solid base
Training at an academy is the best-known model. Employees attend classes at an external centre, following a structured programme.
When does it work best?
This format is useful when:
- Employees need a general grounding in English.
- The company is looking for progressive, long-term learning.
- There is no immediate urgency to apply the language at work.
A practical example
An industrial company with junior technical staff decides to offer academy classes to raise the team’s general level. The aim is not immediate, but to prepare for the future.
Limitations
The main problem is the disconnect from the working environment:
- Content poorly adapted to day-to-day professional life.
- Difficulty coordinating timetables.
- Less control by the company over progress.
Online platforms: flexibility and autonomy
Digital platforms have gained ground in recent years. They let employees learn English at their own pace, from anywhere.
When does this option make sense?
It is a good fit when:
- The company prioritises flexibility.
- Employees have self-directed profiles.
- A scalable solution for many users is needed.
A practical example
A startup with an internationally distributed team offers access to an online platform. Each employee manages their own learning according to their availability.
Limitations
Practical as they are, they come with significant challenges:
- Low completion rates when there is no follow-up.
- A lack of real personalisation.
- Difficulty working on specific skills such as meetings or presentations.
In many cases, companies end up combining platforms with live sessions to make up for these gaps.
In-company training: practical and aligned with the business
In-company training is designed specifically for the company and delivered within its own environment, whether in person or virtually.
What sets it apart?
- Content adapted to the sector and the role.
- A direct focus on real situations (meetings, emails, calls).
- Greater employee involvement.
A practical example
An international sales team needs to improve its ability to negotiate in English. The training focuses on meeting role plays, handling objections and commercial presentations.
Key advantages
- Immediate application at work.
- A higher return on investment.
- The ability to measure results more clearly.
It also makes it possible to adjust the pace and the content as the team progresses.
Direct comparison: which option should you choose?
Choosing between an academy, an online platform or in-company training depends on several factors. There is no single right answer.
If you are after a base and structure:
An academy may be enough, especially at beginner levels.
If you are after flexibility:
An online platform is a better fit, although it requires commitment from the employee.
If you are after real business impact:
In-company training tends to be the most effective option, because it connects directly with the needs of the company.
At this point it is important to be clear about the objective: “improving English” is not the same as “closing more international sales”.
If you want to go deeper into how to approach language training from a strategic point of view, you can read this content on language training aligned with business objectives on the ALOS blog.
Common mistakes when choosing English training for staff
Many decisions fail not because of the option chosen, but because of how it is implemented.
Some common mistakes:
- Choosing on price instead of on objectives.
- Not defining which competencies you want to improve.
- Not tracking progress.
- Assuming a single solution works for every profile.
For example, the finance team may need precision in emails, while the sales team needs oral fluency. The solution should adapt to both.
How to make the right decision
Before choosing a format, it is worth answering three key questions:
- What exactly do your employees need English for?
- What level are they at right now?
- What impact do you expect on the business?
With these answers, it is much easier to choose between an academy, a platform or bespoke training.
In many cases, the best solution is not a single one, but a combination.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the objective. If you are looking for direct impact at work, in-company training tends to be the most effective because it adapts to real situations.
They can work for highly self-directed profiles, but they usually need support or reinforcement to secure results.
Not necessarily. Although the initial investment may be higher, the return tends to be greater because it is aligned with specific business objectives.
Choosing the right English training format for your staff is not just a question of budget, but of strategy. Every option has its place, but they do not all deliver the same impact.
If you are weighing up how to improve your team’s level of English, ALOS can help you design training tailored to your company, with clear objectives and measurable results.