Conference to Discuss British Business in the International Arena

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The increasing problem of low levels of language skills in the workforce is one of the themes for the CILT Conference in Bedford next Monday the 12th of December.

The CILT, which is the National Centre for Languages, believes that British businesses are set to face ever greater pressure in the competitive global economy, leading to them becoming involved in international trade competition and new business management and ownership scenarios. International cooperation would seem to be the future in the business world, and it is hoped that this conference will tackle the perceived fall in language skills in Britain.

Understanding International Communication

The UK presidency of the European Union is almost over, and it seems a fitting time to review one of the objectives set by the EU, namely that of being amongst the most dynamic and knowledge ““ rich economic regions in the world within five years. Languages are one of the key areas for this success, and the conference is set to debate the position that Britain is in with a view to meeting this challenge.

Language and communication skills, it is expected to be argued, are key components to the chances of the EU, and the UK in particular, meeting this objective. The programme will involve debate and chances to reflect on successes and examples of “could do better” with stakeholders from business and education, including Government policy ““ makers, business support agencies, business organisations and any employer ““ support agency targeted at the international arena.

Special Guest for the Day

The event will also be attended by long ““ time patron of CILT, Sir Trevor McDonald. He will be presented with an award, the Comenius Fellowship, by CILT for his long work in supporting language skills and learning in Britain. It will also see the presentation of the findings of the “Talking Sense” report on language skills management in major companies.

The conference will be hosted in conjunction with CILT’s Regional Language Networks. The programme includes the presentation of the report mentioned above by David Way, the Director of Skills for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), followed by responses from organisations such as the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) and individuals such as His Excellency Herr Thomas Matussek, German Ambassador to the UK.

Jethro Marsh

Will this conference wake us up to the need for better language education? Tell us in the FE Blog

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