Year 10 students from schools in Dudley were treated to a language taster session recently to inspire them to continue their language studies post-16.

Business Language Champions Terry Wood, head of the International Trade Team at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Helene Renard-Coadic, projects manager at West Midlands Chambers of Commerce LLP, were amongst the business speakers hoping to persuade the youngsters to secure their future employability by keeping up their language skills.

Helene was able to share her experiences of speaking four different languages, including her native French whilst Terry spoke about the importance of language skills to businesses thinking of trading overseas.

“The event was really enjoyable and I was delighted to be able to help out and share my experience.”  Terry said.

The 32 students from Redhill School, Crestwood School and High Arcal School were ‘enlightened’ and ‘interested’ by the experience, with 81 percent of them saying they enjoyed the event a lot.

The Chinese language taster session was cited as the most enjoyable and when asked at the end of the event whether they intended to study a language post-16, 41 percent of students said they were going to pursue their studies, which is really encouraging.

For more information on BLC events in the West Midlands and to find out how your school or business can get involved please visit the RLN West Midlands website.