When we usually review BLC activities, we tend
to concentrate on the benefits these events have for schools as we
can easily measure the impact in the uptake of language students
for the coming year.
But it is really interesting and motivational
for us to hear how these activities have benefitted our Business
Language Champions.
I cite, as an example, the strong partnership
between HSBC and Hampton Community College in Richmond, where
activities over the past two years have helped to increase uptake
as well as giving the BLCs involved, young graduate trainees, the
chance to experience different situations and learn new skills.
As Catherine Wilkinson, Manager, PCSC Team at
HSBC Bank Plc commented recently:
“Business Language Champions
enables graduates to develop additional skills, such as
teaching and presenting, as well as giving them an opportunity to
use their languages. It also forms part of our continuing
commitment to projects that benefit the development of young people
both in our partner schools and the wider community.
“We believe that developing an
understanding of the usefulness of languages and cultural
understanding gives young people the best chance possible to excel
in their future careers. The most enjoyable part of the scheme is
working with the pupils themselves and seeing their engagement and
the positive responses we get to our visits.” She said.
Catherine would also like to point out the
advantages of the programme to other businesses:
“For us, BLC has formed an
integral part of our Graduate CSR programme and we would encourage
our colleagues in the wider business world to get involved. Not
only does ithelp to develop skills outside the office and
to get involved in the wider community; it also raises the profile
of the organisation and the school. Most importantly, over time,
tangible increases in the uptake of languages can be seen as more
young people are inspired to continue these subjects.”
Year 9 students at the college, who have opted
to take languages next year, have been invited by HSBC to visit
Canary Wharf in the autumn to give them a better understanding of
how an international company operates and in particular how and why
HSBC employ people with language skills.
For more information on BLC events in the
London area please contact Pinky Sidhu