English for the Workplace (FutureLearn)

Overview

This course is for people who are learning English and are interested in developing English language skills for employability and workplace contexts. It will help job seekers and young professionals with the English they need.

Each week, we’ll focus on key aspects of English for the workplace. You’ll watch videos and listen to audio recordings of people in various situations. This includes those searching and applying for jobs, preparing for and taking interviews, and those starting their new jobs and working with new colleagues.

Our experienced tutor will examine some of the language used and draw your attention to useful points to improve your English in workplace contexts.

The course does not follow a language syllabus but takes workplace English as its starting point. It offers functional language phrases and real, authentic workplace scenarios. Short quizzes and discussions will help you measure your understanding and practice your English.

As you progress through the various topics, you’ll learn plenty of business English vocabulary and workplace English expressions that you can use at work and when applying for jobs.

As well as practicing workplace English and learning some workplace English expressions, you’ll examine what makes a successful job application and interview.

Throughout the course, you’ll be asked to share your opinions, ideas, and questions with other learners. The best way to get the most out of the course is to be prepared to join in and share your experiences.

This course is aimed at non-native English speakers who have studied English to at least the pre-intermediate level (approximately A2 on the CEFR). Those interested in improving their business English for the workplace will find new vocabulary and phrases to use at work.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to,

• Evaluate their skill set and the kind of employment they would like.
• Improve English language performance in key areas of applications and interviews.
• Reflect on the factors involved in successful applications and interviews.
• Identify the elements of working together successfully.

Syllabus

Finding a job

• What do you want from a job?
• Talking about likes and dislikes
• Talking about your job
• Job advertisements
• Applying for a job

Interviews

• Preparing for job interviews
• The language of obligation
• Talking about your skills and experience
• Interview technique

Starting a job

• Talking about job offers
• Line management
• Rules and regulations at work

Working together

• Meeting new colleagues
• Checking to understand
• Team building activities
• Making suggestions, agreeing and disagreeing

Teacher

• Chris Cavey