Westminster Kingsway College provides English in the workplace for ISS UK
07 December 2010
Westminster Kingsway College has been working with ISS UK to provide English Language classes for a group of employees based at St Mary’s Hospital Paddington in central London. The group of employees are employed in a range of facilities-related roles throughout the hospital and the programme has helped staff to improve their English skills in speaking, reading and writing.
Alexandra Kopitsis, Training and Development Manager from ISS UK said: “I have seen the confidence of our team members improve since they started the English classes with Westminster Kingsway College. They are now able to express themselves and communicate with patients, making their working days so much more enjoyable. It has made a difference not only for them, but also for the customer service levels we are able to provide to our clients. Some of these team members are turning into star employees as their true potential has the chance to shine through.”
ISS employee, Emygdyo Soares said “I am originally from Brazil and have been working for ISS for 6 years. The English courses are good as they help me with learning different tenses and new vocabulary in English. I can communicate better with others.”
Victorina Cenon is originally from the Philippines and learnt her first words of English from the American soldiers based in her country when she was a girl. Victorina has worked at St Mary’s Hospital for 10 years as part of the ISS Domestic team. She said: “I first learnt English from Americans during the war so when I came to England I would use the American word for something rather than the English word. These classes have helped me with my speaking and writing and learning about English culture. This really helps me when I am working.”
Fellow employee Ruel Bello is also from the Philippines and said “My speaking in English is strongest and I am more confident now. The teacher gives us great feedback.”
Nuno Matias, Patient Feeding Manager at St Mary’s Hospital said: “I can see a really big difference in my hostesses who have attended the ESOL course with Westminster Kingsway College. When they first came to apply for the job, they were weak in English and part of the condition of their employment was that they improve their level of English. I believe that as a result of the English classes they have taken, their English skills have improved tremendously and they are becoming some of our best hostesses as they understand the menu perfectly now and their customer care is amazing.”
Janice Etheridge, Head of Teaching and Learning for English in the Workplace said: “These English courses with Westminster Kingsway College help to improve communication and confidence amongst employees. The courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications in English.” Westminster Kingsway College can provide different Skills for Life and English/ESOL programmes to meet the requirements of employers and is working across many different industries.
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