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FAQs
For Sector Skills Councils
For employers
For individuals (jobseekers or those in employment)
For language service providers
Q: Why should we worry about languages? Our employer surveys don't reveal any skills gaps or shortages in languages in our sector.
A: Our research shows that languages often fall into the category of 'latent' skills gaps or shortages. This means that, in national and sectoral surveys, employers are not always signalling to SSCs any concerns about provision of language and intercultural skills. Yet research also shows that UK businesses and individuals are losing out due to inadequate language skills. For more information, see Languages: the economic case.
Q: How does CILT fit into the activities of the Skills for Business Network?
A: CILT, the National Centre for Languages was formed by the merger of CILT with the Languages NTO and is the UK Standards Setting Body for languages. CILT has worked with SSDA and SSCs since their inception on a range of activities to support the recognition of language skills needs and to develop appropriate solutions. CILT's (Regional) Language Networks work throughout the UK with employers, development agencies, SSC regional representatives and other key partners. To find out more go to the Skills for Business Network section.
Q: What do we mean by 'languages'?
A: CILT is responsible for promoting a greater national capability in languages other than the UK national languages, English and Welsh.
Q: What language qualifications are available that might be suitable for our sector, aside from the usual GCSEs and A Levels?
A: There is now a wide choice of language qualifications, general and vocationally-related. Qualifications such as Asset Languages and NVQ language units allow recognition of different language skills and 'spikey' profiles – especially good for job roles where certain skills (e.g. Listening and Speaking) are more important than others (e.g. Reading and Writing). See our Qualifications pages for more information.
Q: Are there any National Occupational Standards we can import or contextualise for our sector?
A: Yes - the National Language Standards.
Q: Are there any products or services available for us to help engage or support our employers tackling issues of multicultural workforce management, international trade or expansion, dealing with clients from overseas?
A: Yes! CILT and its (Regional) Language Networks offer a range of support tools and services: labour market information, free publications, on-line tools and face-to-face business support to name a few.
Q: What things should I take into account when trying to improve my communications with staff, clients or partners from other countries and cultures? Is there anyone who can help?
A: There is a range of products, tools and advisory services that can help you tackle these issues. Many of these are free or subsidised (e.g. in the case of Export Communications Reviews). To find out more, see our Planning section.
Q: Why should I bother? Will it bring bottom line benefits?
A: There is a growing body of research that shows that businesses which address language and cultural differences benefit in terms of competitiveness and workforce cohesion.
Q: How can I go about recruiting staff with language skills?
A: For information and advice on recruiting staff with languages, go to the Solvit website or our Skills section.
Q: What things should I take into account when commissioning language training for my staff?
A: For tips on commissioning language training, go to our page on Using the Services of Language Training Providers or download our free guide for businesses on Foreign Language Training.
Q: How can I go about adapting my website for foreign markets?
A: There's more to website localisation than pure translation of text – taking adequate account of cutural differences and technical issues is critical. For advice and guidance, see our pages on Website localisation or download the free guide for businesses on Adapting materials for international markets.
Q: Where do I find a properly qualified, professional interpreter?
A: See our section on Using the Services of Interpreters.
Q: How can I find a job using my language skills?
A: For information and guidance on how to find a job using your language skills, visit Languages Work.
Q: I already have language skills but would like some way of having them recognised for work. Are there any appropriate qualifications or recognition schemes?
A: There are a wide range of language qualifications, offered for various languages at different levels. Some of these, like NVQ language units, require you to build a portfolio of evidence, which is then assessed by a tutor/assessor. Others require you to sit a text or exam. Your local college or training provider will be able to give you advice. For information on nationally accredited qualifications, see our Qualifications pages.
Alternatively, the European Language Portfolio is a way of recording and demonstrating your language skills – without having to be formally assessed. It is validated by the Council of Europe and has Europe-wide recognition. For more information click here.
Q: What kind of qualifications do I need to become a translator or interpreter?
A: For advice on entering the language professions, go to our Languages Work website.
For language service providers
Q: How does CILT's work fit with that of the professional bodies, like ITI?
A: CILT is the Standards Setting Body for languages, interpreting and translation, not a membership organisation. CILT's role is to represent, impartially, the needs of employers in particular industries and to articulate these in the form of National Occupational Standards, which form the basis of qualifications, training programmes and continuing professional development. Clearly, in doing so, CILT collaborates closely with colleagues in the professions and with the professional bodies.
