What English Skills Do I Need for the Workplace

Given that the English language is the global language of business, which should tell you just how important it is to learn. For those who learn English as a second language, doors can open at the workplace.

Learning English can be fun even if it’s not the easiest of languages to master. Its grammar keeps language learners busy trying to memorize and apply its many rules. Sometimes, efforts have been met with confusion. For example, the past tense of “go” is “went.” If you say, “I read a book,” are you referring to the past or present? The spelling is the same in both the past and present, but the past is pronounced as “red” and the present as “reed.”

For VESL learners, preparing for the workplace requires industry-specific English usage that is pertinent to their workplaces. For example, if you are studying to be a medical office administrator, laboring over vocabulary meant for auto mechanics probably won’t serve you very well. However, learning healthcare and administrative terminology will benefit you in doing your job effectively. It is this type of precise study that good, vocational institutions can help the VESL learner improve their English-language skills.

Vocational Workers are in Demand

The need for skilled laborers is high and continues to climb. If you dream of becoming an HR specialist, accountant, office worker, IT specialist, HVAC technician or other skilled professional, this is the perfect time to make this dream a reality. Why? Because vocational schools train their students for in-demand vocations, and a vocational school should be at the top of your list when starting your career.

However, Vocational ESL programs do much more to prepare you for the practical responsibilities. You spend a considerable amount of time in preparation for your trade, as well as the English needed for that profession. And knowing the English language opens up a new world of possibilities. Not only do you get a competitive edge over other applicants, but moving up the career ladder is a step in the right direction.

What English Skills Do I Need for the Workplace?

There are many skills that English speakers will need in the workplace. The most common include:

Skill #1: Speaking

As a busy professional, you will have many opportunities to communicate. Depending on which profession you choose, you may speak with co-workers, managers, customers, and patients, both on the phone and in person. You will participate in meetings. You may even travel on behalf of your company. Your communication will need to be clear and understood by the people who are listening. If you’re trying to explain the benefits of a product but the customer cannot understand everything you are saying, you may lose the sale. Effective communication is the basis for success in many aspects of your job.

Not only do you need to know what to say but also how to say it. In today’s workplaces, being sensitive to cultural dynamics are a component of corporate life. In American business, the customer is always right. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they are, but the normal operations of a company usually gives the customer the benefit of the doubt. So, when dealing with angry or disgruntled customers, appropriate intonation plays an important role in calming customers down.

Skill #2: Listening

Listening facilitates understanding between the communicating parties. This part of communication helps you understand a speaker, as well as respond appropriately to what is being said. Listening is much more than hearing words. It involves paying close attention to what is being said and processing it in the manner in which the speaker intended.

Possessing good listening skills also means that you share in the emotions in which the speaker is expressing themself. For example, showing empathy when a coworker that is having difficulty with work-related tasks demonstrates a higher degree of listening comprehension.

Skill #3: Writing

Write, right? Yes! There will be plenty of opportunities to demonstrate good English-language skills through your ability to write. Employees collectively write thousands of emails every day to their coworkers, customers, and inquirers. If the communication isn’t crystal clear, it could lead to a misunderstanding. There are also other matters that determine if your writing is effective or not. If a person types their messages in capital letters, it could be misconstrued as yelling. So, as you improve your writing skills, remember that they will be very useful in the workplace.

Skill #4: Reading

Reading is a requirement, not an option, in a workplace environment. It is the mechanism by which employees learn and continue to successfully perform their jobs. Reading with comprehension is necessary to know what is expected of employees. Whether it is an agenda for the day’s tasks, understanding the training manual, enrolling in benefits, or even reviewing the daily menu, reading is a very important part of daily workplace tasks.

What are Some Skills That are Needed For Communication in the Workplace?

The American workplace is a very unique place. Many workplaces are highly diverse. Employees from different races, cultural backgrounds, genders, social backgrounds, and diverse faiths are all brought together by their professional careers. The biggest area in which they manifest sensitivity to diversity is communication. It is the largest factor that helps everyone understand one another. Everyone communicates with one another verbally, by phone, through online platforms and via email. And, with a vast array of people, these groups build confidence, trust, learning openness, and conflict management.

Fostering communication requires more than just talking, however. Active listening makes empathy a part of the communication equation. During meetings, staff engage in public speaking while using the art of persuasion to rally personnel towards the shared goals of the company.

As your English improves, you will become a more effective speaker and listener. You will be an asset to the company when you can communicate with others up and down the chain of command.

What are the Benefits of Having English Skills?

One of the biggest advantages of speaking English relates to job advancement. The bilingual abilities of employees are highly prized in an increasingly shrinking global market. More businesses around the world communicate with each other in English. Therefore, knowing how to speak English as a second language gives you a competitive advantage in hiring and opportunity for advancement.

Rest assured that your English-language training will never be in vain. In fact, if there are two qualified candidates and the only difference is you speak English and they do not, that is enough to make you the favorable candidate. As a bilingual communicator, you will be an asset to your place of employment.

How Can I Learn These English Skills For the Workplace?

One of the best ways to learn English for your specific profession is by attending a technical school that offers Vocational ESL (VESL) classes. The important thing to remember is that the VESL curricula is developed for the needs of the workplace.

The core English skills; speaking, listening, reading, and writing; will be an essential part of your business success. The more efficient you are in mastering these skills, the more effective you will be. Instructors in VESL programs understand that your success in the workplace is dependent upon what you learn in their classrooms. And they take your success seriously.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what English skills are needed for the workplace, it is time to learn more about the VESL program at Interactive College of Technology. We take pride in helping prepare you for the workplace and we even help with career services. We will match you with an organization you are passionate about. So, learn English and succeed in your new career. With Interactive College of Technology, the sky’s the limit.

Want to Learn More?

Our Vocational English as a Second Language (ESL) training program is designed for student success. Interactive College of Technology offers live online and in-person English classes that fit into your busy schedule.

Our Vocational English as a Second Language classes are set up, so your English develops skill by skill. Four levels of rigorous courses help you to comprehend the English language by combining lecture, lab, class discussion, and group activities. This effective method ensures VESL students are provided English language skills as well as cultural transference.

Students receive all VESL program materials to keep. You’ll also be provided with a personal email account, resume writing, and job placement assistance, media center access, and more! Our campuses are located across Georgia and Texas.

We want to help you get started. Contact us now to learn more.

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