The White Company wanted to look at the potential benefits of English Language Training through development of the people in the Distribution Centre. After hearing of the success around this training with Distribution Centre employees at Charles Tyrwhitt, the Management Team at The White Company were keen to look into this further.
Establishing needs
Approximately 75% of the Distribution Centre workforce within The White Company do not speak English as their first language. On meeting with Commercial Language Training Ltd it was agreed that the key objectives of the training would be as follows:
- Achieve a uniform standard of English to improve the quality of meetings with Line Managers
- Confidence to read posters and information relating to Health and Safety
- Professional communication
- Personal Development
We carried out an Assessment Day at the Distribution Centre where the delegates had a short informal discussion with the English tutor and sat a grammar test in order to establish the level of their English. Then we agreed that there would be 4 groups of around 15 people in each. So, the classes took place on-site at the Distribution Centre on a weekly basis for 2 hours each over a 6 to 8 week period.
The White Company delegates with CLT English tutor Finola
The Training Course
It was important to keep the lessons fun and to build confidence in using English. We wanted to build rapport between the delegates and use practical work situations and challenges as a basis for role plays and discussions. In addition, the classes incorporated documents used every day within the delegates’ job roles and focussed on communication skills such as listening and speaking.
At the end of the course, English tutor Nicky said: “It was a pleasure working with The White Company Teams; they are a credit to themselves and the company. Most felt a lot more confident using the English language and, overall, improved fluency and accuracy was achieved by all.”
All delegates received a Certificate of Achievement showing their level according to the Common European Framework at the end of the course.
Delegate Feedback
“I found the course very helpful and fun. I liked the idea a lot and would recommend it to my colleagues.”
“We have enjoyed every single lesson and learned a lot. Thank you!”
“Really great opportunity to develop listening and verbal English skills.”
“The course was well presented and information given well. Recommended to everyone.”
“Very patient teacher – explained everything and helpful”
“Very nice atmosphere. I have improved my communication skills as I am now confident when talking to colleagues.”
“Amazing tutor”
Why not read more about our Language Training in the Fashion and Retail industry.
You might also be interested in reading our blog “The Importance of English Language Training for non-UK national workers” and “Why Language Learning is good for business” or “5 reasons why supporting Personal Development makes good business sense”.
Contact us today to enquiry about Language Courses for Business