Business sector:
Engineering/Manufacturing
Number of employees: 145 (UK)
Language(s) supported: French, German and
Spanish.
Gripple is the market leader of wire joiners and tensioners,
designed to suit a whole range of applications across the
agricultural and construction markets. Founded in Sheffield in
1988, Gripple’s continuous development means that it now has a
global presence, with its products available in more than 50
countries. To date it has sold over 130 million units and employs
some 245 people worldwide. Gripple was highly commended at the 2009
BLC awards.
Summary of engagement
This SME, working in manufacturing and
engineering, has shown exceptional commitment to supporting
language learning in the Sheffield area. NVQ language
students enjoy visits in French, German or Spanish to the business
whilst selected year 10 language students at Meadowhead School and
Language College participate in a new collaborative language
project each year.
Objectives of employer engagement:
- To improve uptake in language learning among
young people by demonstrating the relevance of languages for the
modern business world.
- To invest in the future of languages, so that
they can continue recruiting a workforce with the skills required
to remain competitive in the long-run.
Engagement activities:
- Workplace visits
NVQ
level students are given the opportunity to visit Gripple’s offices
approximately twice a term. The visit is hosted by a member of the
Sales/Customer Service team in the relevant language. By
interacting with staff in another language, students are able to
ground and contextualise their language learning. Students are
given a factory tour and a take-home pack in the target
language.
- Partnership with Meadowhead
School
Year 10 students are annually given the
opportunity to take part in a new project with Gripple. So far
students have produced an audio guide for non-English speaking
visitors and translated a revised company
presentation.
Impact on school and
students:
- The Language College Manager at Meadowhead
School has reported that student interest in the project continues
to increase each year.
- Student feedback received by Gripple
indicates that many students would consider continuing with
languages at post-16 level as a result of the project, and that
students enjoy seeing how languages can be used in a ‘real life’
context.
- From September 2010, the school plans to
offer post-GCSE level language qualifications, and will be able to
monitor the number of students who choose to continue their
language studies.
Impact on business:
- Resources produced by students during the
project, such as the audio-guide for non-English speaking visitors,
have been integrated into the everyday functioning of the
business.
- Gripple has benefited from meeting potential
future employees and having the opportunity to present the company
as an attractive future employer.
Find out more:
Press cuttings:
Return to:
case studies
by region and case studies by job sector.