Welcome
... to the third edition of The Business of Language UK e-zine.

In this issue:

- QCA consultation on the 14-19 Diploma
- Routes into Languages update
- Working effectively with people from different countries or cultures
- Promoting the economic benefits of language learning
- Subscribe online

QCA Consultation on new language provision for Additional Specialist Learning of the 14-19 Diploma

The first five Diplomas linked to the fourteen lines of learning will be available from September 2008. The subject areas of these first five Diplomas are ICT, Engineering, Construction and the Built Environment, Society, Health and Development and Creative and Media. Languages can be offered as an option within the Additional/Specialist component of all of these Diplomas and for 2008, any current language qualification on the Section 96 Qualifications page of the DCSF website can be offered. For 2008, the languages element must be offered at the same level as the main Diploma and must be a full qualification.

The QCA is carrying out a consultation on what the future languages element might be post- 2008 and are asking for opinions on a proposed new qualification. You can access the QCA survey online This is your chance to add your voice to the discussion as well as bring this consultation to the attention of your colleagues. The consultation is open until 15 February 2008 .

Further information on languages in the Diplomas and the timetable for delivery is available from the CILT website

CILT would like to encourage all those who work with languages or employ those with language skills to contribute to this discussion – your views can make a difference.

Please note: the above information is related to the Diplomas linked to the fourteen lines of learning (Construction, Engineering etc) and not to the recently announced discrete Languages Diploma, which is still to be developed.

Routes into Languages update

The Routes into Languages National Networks for Interpreting received some great publicity via the EducationGuardian supplement on Tuesday 29 January 2008 . The shortage of English native speakers entering the profession was publicised in a lengthy feature article, incorporating an interview with Svetlana Carsten of Leeds University , the lead institution of the National Network for Interpreting.

If you missed this article first time round, you can still access it via the Guardian website

In order to mark the official launch of the National Network for Interpreting, there will be a Routes into Languages Careers Event at University of Leeds on Wednesday 27 February . Although the launch itself is invitation only, the exciting careers event is open to all and includes keynote speakers from the United Nations and the EU institutions. This event is a great opportunity to find out more about careers using languages on a national and international level or to contribute to a discussion panel on careers using languages.

For further details about the programme of events visit the National Network (pdf)

Working effectively with people from different countries or cultures

CILT is leading a project funded by the SSDA to develop National Occupational Standards (NOS) in Intercultural Working for the UK. The Standards will be completed in July 2008.

The first project phase focused on UK-wide awareness-raising and initial consultation with employers, SSCs and SSBs and key providers of intercultural skills training. It also produced an up-to-date research overview of approaches and thinking on intercultural skills.

The second phase has developed a full set of draft Standards. UK wide consultation on the draft Standards in now underway. People working in the private and public sectors and in the voluntary and community sectors are invited to participate.

Find out how you can contribute to the consultation. The deadline for responses is 15 February 2008.

Promoting the economic benefits of language learning

The CILT report Talking World Class highlights the impact of language skills on the UK economy. With an introduction from Sir Trevor McDonald, the report answers the following questions:

• How well equipped are UK companies to do business in other languages?
• What are we losing through poor languages skills?
• What do we stand to gain if we can raise levels of language use?
• What other benefits do languages bring?

You can now order your free copy of the report, as well as a fold-out credit card sized version of the report highlighting key facts about languages and the economy.

https://secure.easyanswer.net/cilt/eShop

Subscribe online!

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The Business of Language UK provides updates on issues related to languages and cultural skills for business and employment throughout the UK.

© 2008 CILT, the National Centre for Languages | www.cilt.org.uk | info@cilt.org.uk