LanguagesandCareers

Languages & Careers Resource Pack Presentation: 

Languages & Careers Resource Pack Presentation Careers Europe

THE IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET OF TOMORROW : 

THE IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET OF TOMORROW

”There has never been a time when the ability to communicate with other cultures and in their own languages was more important to our nations well being and prosperity” : 

”There has never been a time when the ability to communicate with other cultures and in their own languages was more important to our nations well being and prosperity” ”Our young people must develop the competence, confidence, and contacts, which will secure their place and influence in an increasingly global society” Tony Blair

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English is not enough “We are fortunate to speak a global language but, in a smart and competitive world, exclusive reliance on English leaves the UK vulnerable and dependent on the linguistic competence and the goodwill of others”. Source: Nuffield Languages Enquiry

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“Young people from the UK are at a disadvantage in the recruitment market. The UK workforce suffers from a chronic shortage of people at all levels with usable language skills. Companies increasingly need personnel with technical or professional skills plus another language, and often their only option is to recruit native speakers of other languages.” Source: Nuffield Languages Enquiry

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“UK trade to the EU as a proportion of the total has increased from 35% to 60% since the introduction of the single European market” “3.5m jobs are now linked to EU trade” “8 of the 10 most important export markets for the UK are in Europe” Minister for Further and Higher Education

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The UK Exports more to France than the Commonwealth Exports more to Germany than the USA Exports more to Belgium than Japan UK Secretary of State for Trade

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70% of British companies conduct business in other countries Source: Survey in Professional Manager Journal   90% of jobs involving languages are in sectors such as sales, marketing and finance and not in translating, teaching. Source: Observer September 2002

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20% of companies in the South West and North East of England are losing business because they lack language and cultural skills   Source: National Languages Strategy 2002     Experts believe Britain could double its trade with Europe, if we could overcome language barriers   Source: Observer September 2002

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Secretarial and Clerical Staff with languages can earn 20% extra than those with only English The Guardian We would not now recruit graduates who have not spent a period of time in another country Personnel Director Volkswagen. Graduates with foreign language skills can expect to earn at least 10% more than those without Source: Reed Recruitment 2001

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“Business Success today and in the future will be determined by a company’s ability to exploit market opportunities on a global basis. The ability to service customers in their preferred language gives an instant competitive edge.” Managing Director Rocal Safety Systems “Speaking another language is not merely a skill to be admired today but a vitally important business asset” Managing Director, York Place Company Services Ltd

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German, French, Spanish, Italian and Dutch   Which Languages? Recent surveys have shown that the five business languages most in demand are In a world context, there is increasing demand for Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin/Cantonese, Portuguese and Russian

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Examples of recent jobs found by Language Graduates from Bangor University Sales Administrator British Midland European Coordinator Tetra Plc Trainee Accountant Price Waterhouse Plc English Teacher Ecole Nicolas, Paris Trainee Executive Midland Bank Police Officer Royal Air Force

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Every citizen of Europe has the right to work or study in another member state, but to fully take advantage of this opportunity knowledge of the host country’s language is essential.” “By learning a language, any language, we come closer to a foreign culture and learn to know and appreciate each other and accept our differences” Source: Viviane Reading European Commission

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Why Do British Young People Not: Learn Languages? Take up European and International Opportunities?

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15% of UK Nationals can speak another language fluently Daily Telegraph Gallup Survey 2000 65% of German Nationals can speak another language to “a reasonable level” 66% of British people have absolutely no knowledge of any other language than English

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In recent years, the numbers of students taking: The Media and Business world needs language skills Business Studies ‘A’ level has increased by 41% Media Studies ‘A’ level has increased by 102% German ‘A’ level has decreased by 10% French ‘A’ level has decreased by 23%

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In 2001, the numbers of students studying language courses at university decreased by 3% Source: UCAS   90% of jobs involving languages are in sectors such as sales, marketing and financing and not in translating, teaching Source: Observer September 2002

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Three times as many young people from EEA countries visit the UK to study, work or train than vice versa UK Nationals are missing opportunities.

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The numbers of UK students undertaking SOCRATES-ERASMUS placements is in decline Source: SOCRATES\ERASMUS Bureau Twice as many European students visit the UK for SOCRATES-ERASMUS placements as vice versa.

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Lack of UK mobility is a complex issue with a number of causes. Here are some possible contributory factors: Lack of awareness of the opportunities available The importance of English worldwide Hostile politicians Hostile press The “Empire mentality” Island nation

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN EUROPE AND BEYOND

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FREEDOM of MOVEMENT Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. UK Nationals have the right to live, work, study or train in any of the countries of the European Union and European Economic area. These countries are:

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Learning a Language Voluntary Work Summer Jobs Language Assistants Training Placements Studying Abroad Working Abroad

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Studying in Europe For example, 10,000 UK students study abroad under the Socrates- Erasmus programme each year Full Time Study in Europe Exchange Programmes Socrates-Erasmus

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SOCRATES-ERASMUS programme SOCRATES-ERASMUS placements are available in courses from Accountancy to Zoology. Susan Tanner studying Business Studies spent a year of the course studying Business Studies at a University in Hannover in Germany An example Additional funding is provided by the European Commission.

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Opportunities in the UK labour market to use languages learned Long-term opportunities in another country Permanent work in another country Work Experience Placements e.g. LEONARDO Summer or Holiday Jobs Working in Europe:

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The Leonardo programme Leonardo placements are funded work experience placements, which are an integral part of a UK course. The European Commission provides additional funding. Since then she has decided to return and live in Madrid.  Domenique White studying Hotel and Catering in the UK spent 3 months working as a Hotel Receptionist in Madrid. An example

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A personal view of mobility: Berris Charnley an HND Forestry student, who spent 3 months in Norway working as a part of the Forestry team on the Fritzoe Skoger Estate through the Leonardo programme “The exchange has worked well for me, and I have expanded my knowledge of forestry. I feel much more confident with my work now and the skills I learnt in Norway will be enormously useful in the UK.”

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Teaching Assistant Travel and Year Out opportunities Voluntary Work Other possibilities

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Examples It provides free travel and accommodation It gives pocket money It is aimed at young people aged between 18 and 25. It is FREE to UK nationals A scheme funded by the European Commission European Voluntary Service (EVS)

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Examples The scheme provides FREE German tuition and accommodation in Germany. They must be studying German at A-level or equivalent. For students aged 16 to 18. Provided by the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst. Offers German courses at various venues in Germany for three weeks during the summer holidays German summer courses

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Job\Subject Specific skills and knowledge Confidence\Maturity Experience of living, working and studying in other cultures Language Skills Required and Developed:

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“The ‘island mentality’ is deep seated within our culture. Whilst an understanding of cultural history and norms is central to our well - being, such an aspiration often results in insularity.” Source: Secondary Heads Association Policy “Current and future students will be members of an international community. This will require an understanding of different cultures and communities far beyond that which has been our current practice”

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Want to find out more? Available in careers centres and libraries The Careers Europe database of International Careers Information EXODUS International careers information leaflets EuroFacts and Global Facts series

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Careers Europe Web Site   http://www.careerseurope.co.uk/