Skills for Business Network

Introduction

At strategic level across the UK languages have been recognised as crucial to the international competitiveness of business and to the employability, mobility and individual careers choices of the current and future workforce.

At individual business level, however, and particularly in the case of SMEs, language skills frequently fall into the category of ‘latent skills gaps or shortages’. That is, employers do not report or recognise skills gaps until they look towards product improvement or market expansion.

Language skills demonstrably give employers, and employees, competitive advantage. Employers and employees without ready access to language skills and tactics for using them effectively are at a disadvantage.

A recent survey, the 2008 CBI/Edexcel education and skills survey highlights just how many employers value language skills.

CILT, the National Centre for Languages collaborates closely with partners in the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils and other UK stakeholders to help inform, influence and support employers in identifying and tackling international communication skills needs.

• The Language Skills Alliance is a partnership between CILT, GoSkills and the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA), which aims to ensure that business and employers in all sectors across the UK have access to the competitive advantage offered by language and intercultural skills.
• The Language Skills Alliance grew out of the recommendations of the Languages Plan, a three-year project to develop a sustainable languages strategy for the SfBN.

If you are a Sector Skills Council and would like to find out how CILT may be able to support your activities and employers in your sector, contact Anne Marie Graham.