More workers gain English language skills

More workers gain English language skills with new workplace literacy programme

Media release for immediate release

May 1 2009

More workers will be able to read, write and communicate in English through a new national programme to boost literacy and language skills in the workplace.

The English for Employees programme, developed by English Language Partners New Zealand (formerly ESOL Home Tutors), will provide major benefits for both migrant employees and their employers.

The TEC-funded programme provides language and literacy training free of charge for migrants whose first language is not English, who have permanent residence and are working full or part time, casually/seasonally or are self employed.

English Language Partners Chief Executive Claire Szabo, said the programme, part of the Government’s strategy to raise literacy in the workforce, was designed to equip migrants with vital skills for working life.

“The training focuses on the ‘language of work’” said Ms Szabo. “It will support those who have found work or are already in jobs in learning English or improving their English skills and that, in turn, will help their performance in the workplace.

“We are already experiencing a very enthusiastic response with uptake of the programme exceeding expectations in a number of areas.”

The programme has been designed for people in all areas of employment and will be tailored to each individual learner’s needs.

The Hon Tariana Turia, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, will officially launch the programme on 6 May at English Language Partners’ Wellington headquarters.

Training will be flexible, to fit around learners’ work and home commitments. Classes will usually be about 2.5 hours per week, either one-to-one or in small groups.

Teachers will all be ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) tutors who have undergone specialist training in workplace language and literacy.

Topics covered will range from communication and reading, writing and numeracy for work, to cultural issues and expectations of the New Zealand workplace.

English Language Partners operates from 23 New Zealand locations. It employs 200 staff, has 3,000 volunteers working with 6,000 refugees and migrants, and provides a range of English language tuition and settlement support services.

Employers or employees seeking further details about English for Employees courses can contact their local English Language Partners centre via www.englishlanguage.org.nz or call 0800 367 376 (0800 FOR ESOL).

ENDS

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