Business Language Champions

Businesses in the South West increasingly need employees with language skills to succeed in international markets, but getting young people to study languages is hard. Early exposure to practical experience of using languages at work is vital to the learning process for school and college students, and can make languages fun, relevant and an important part of their career path.

Business Language Champions is a programme which seeks to bridge the gap between languages in education and work. Thirteen businesses and schools across the South West were paired when the programme started in October 2004.

Business Language Champions Resource Bank - March 2009
Download examples of past partnerships and material which schools may find helpful when working with businesses

New Business Language Champions activities - February 2009

Second year of Business Language Champions celebrated at awards ceremony: July 2006

Update on Business Language Champions: March 2006

Read about Business Language Champion projects in other parts of the UK. (June 2007)

Partnerships between businesses and schools

The businesses were paired with local schools and have participated in a range of activities including receiving teachers and students to their workplaces to demonstrate how languages are used within the company, allowing access to foreign language documentation actually used at work and speaking in class or school assemblies. Students are encouraged to see languages as a practical skill for the workplace, and the opportunities available to them in the South West. The programme also promotes understanding of what businesses need from education.

Case studies of businesses participating in Business Language Champions

The Education Business Partnerships deliver a range of services to link education and business. Click here to find your local EBP