ESOL
If you employ migrant workers, you might need to consider ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses to help them integrate effectively into the workplace and the wider community.
Factors to consider:
How you will cover any costs involved in ESOL training? Can you contribute to course costs and cover travelling expenses and the cost of learning materials? Are there any free courses in your area or grants available?
When and where ESOL training is to take place? Will it be during working hours? Will shift patterns and family responsibilities realistically allow for training after or before work? Are workers able to travel to off-site premises for training?
Is there anything you can do to train workers before they come to the UK? Some larger employers have undertaken both recruitment and pre-employment language training in the employees' countries of origin.
The RLN can help by locating ESOL providers in your area, please contact us to find out more.
Where to find further help
Employers in Lincolnshire can contact Rachel Bowser rbowser@lincoln.ac.uk at the University of Lincoln, who can offer significant ESOL help free of charge or at a very low cost:
University of Lincoln
Holbeach Campus,
Park Road,
Holbeach,
Lincs
PE12 7PT
tel: 01406 493000
The University of Lincoln is also offering free courses of 38 hours of ESOL to employers, carried out normally on company premises, within 30 miles of Holbeach.
There is no charge for travel. Employees work towards the C & G 3792 Adult Literacy at Entry, Level 1 or Level 2 - this is funded. This particularly appropriate for employees in the food industry (e.g. for assignments 'Safe and Sound' and First Aid).
The university also offers awareness training in communication skills. These 90 minute sessions, in groups of up to 12 people, are free of charge to employers and cover aspects such as barriers to learning, different approaches in communication and challenges to business.
Lincoln University has the following courses for ESOL students:
- ESOL Food Hygiene - 2 day course - £20 for the course
- ESOL Health & Safety - 2 day course - £20 for the course
Participants must be at Entry 2 Speaking and Listening and all are assessed before joining the class. The courses lead to CIEH qualifications - CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety Manufacturing and CIEH level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the workplace. Classes have a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 participants.
If you are in the Lincolnshire area and have Polish or Portuguese staff please contact wendy.bond@lincolshire.gov.uk for information on Lifelong Learning courses in the region to improve communications with your migrant workers.
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