English language training for migrant workers
in Somerset and Dorset

22 January 2009

The ICEBreakers project is a new initiative being set up and managed by Learning South West, based in Taunton. Funded by the European Social Fund – via the Learning and Skills Council - it aims to help migrant workers throughout Somerset and Dorset improve their English language skills.

Migrant workers are vital to the South West economy and without access to workers from EU countries many businesses in Somerset and Dorset could not survive. But for the workers themselves, not being able to communicate effectively in English can make life very difficult.

Improving these skills can also be hard when you arrive in a foreign country knowing only a few words of the language and having to work shifts or long hours. This is where the ICEBreakers project can make a real difference. Working closely with Somerset and Dorset businesses employing migrant workers, the project will support fellow employees to work with migrant workers in the workplace on improving their English skills, using a specially-designed basic language programme (known as ICE – Induction to Communicating in English). In turn the coaches will be trained and supported by a network of specialist English language teachers who have specific expertise in teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

The benefits of this approach should be tangible for everyone concerned. By mastering the basics of English, migrant workers will be able to communicate better not only with their supervisors and work colleagues but also with their neighbours and the wider community. It is hoped the programme will also be a springboard into further learning, eg an ESOL course. The coaches will gain new and valuable skills that can be used elsewhere in their workplace. And employers will reap the benefits of a skilled and motivated group of workers who understand communication in English and can contribute fully to their businesses.

For more information or to get involved with the ICEBreakers project, please contact Karen Cole, Project Co-ordinator. Tel. 01823 365436 or
e-mail karen_cole@learning-southwest.org.uk.