The Summary
Since the global telecommunications company Telefónica acquired O2, a leading UK mobile operator, Commercial Language Training has provided hundreds of tailor-made language courses to their employees.
The Client
Telefónica is one the world’s largest telecommunications company. It mainly operates in the fixed and mobile phone sector and has more than 350 million clients in 21 countries. The listed company has more than one and a half million shareholders and has traded in many of the world’s most important stock markets.
Their headquarters is based in Madrid, Spain but they also have offices in Germany and several South American countries. In 2006, they acquired O2, one of the UK’s leading mobile providers.
The Challenge
When Telefónica acquired O2, their employees needed help communicating with their new colleagues.
Employees in the UK needed to learn Spanish so they could liaise effectively with their colleagues in Madrid. In addition, many Spanish employees who relocated to the UK, along with their families, needed help speaking English in and out of work.
The learning and development team at O2 contacted Commercial Language Training (CLT) to provide English and Spanish courses to their colleagues.
The Solution
To begin with, CLT provided a free consultation to understand what levels of language proficiency the learners had and the objectives of their training. Then they put together tailor-made courses to meet their needs.
The courses included teaching them relevant business language, as well as general communication skills, such as writing emails and speaking on the phone. They created courses for all levels of learners from absolute beginners to more advanced speakers.
CLT used their network of global contacts to arrange language training for Telefónica’s employees in several locations, including Munich, Brussels, San Francisco and São Paolo.
They fitted the lessons around the employees’ busy schedules by offering the option to be trained at a location that suited them or learn online. They could also choose between one-to-one or group training.
The Results
Many of the learners have taken Spanish GCSEs and ABC Practical Language Awards and achieved a 100% pass rate.
Some of those learning English have taken the Cambridge Proficiency and First Certificate exams with a 100% pass rate.
Everyone who received the training increased their ability and confidence in using the language they were learning.
Over the past 11 years, CLT has arranged hundreds of courses for Telefónica and has become their preferred supplier for language training in the UK.
What the Client Said
“CLT have been our exclusive provider of language training in the UK for the last 10 years and have provided us with an excellent level of service over that time. The feedback has always been consistently high from those receiving the training. The flexibility of CLT in tailoring the training to differing circumstances has been particularly valued, as has their proactive and responsive customer service.” David Gogerly, Former Head of Global Mobility Policy
“After five months taking English classes, I would like to say that it was very helpful in all aspects. I really enjoyed taking classes with Sue who is a brilliant teacher.” Legal Intern, Telefónica UK Ltd
“My language training has been an excellent course with an outstanding tutor in all aspects. I have found my classes very enjoyable.” Assignee, Telefónica Europe
“Absolutely great! Great approach, pace and a wonderful learning experience.” Senior HRBP, Telefónica UK Ltd
“Excellent! I would thoroughly recommend this course and look forward to continuing.” Business Programme Team, Telefónica O2 UK Ltd
Get your free language training consultation
If you need language training that is tailor-made to suit your needs then why not contact Commercial Language Training on +44 (0) 203 036 0770 for a free consultation?