The Formal In-house Language Training Courses

The formal in-house language training course provided for the employees in its in-house training centre, is normally a result of a highly professional in-put from the language trainer who follows the steps of a systematic approach. In response to the requests of department heads for language training for their employees, he plans the needs analysis in terms of questionnaires, interviews, and discussions with immediate superiors. Then the nominated employees are called for proficiency assessment tests. The results are recorded in language assessment profiles, which also include the requirements of the job. Having identified the training needs the language trainer collects some 'authentic material' from the departments and start designing syllabus and writing teaching material. Since the different ELS/ELT publishers have a variety of ESP books, the teaching material is normally a combination of materials adopted from the commercially available textbooks and the job-specific material written by the language trainer.

Of course a training course that is designed in such a professional approach is the best type of training one would attend in order to improve the language skills needed in the job. Nevertheless, employees are often reluctant to attend these formal courses. Why? for a number of reasons:

1. Some of them would prefer not to admit their weakness in English and would like to do something about it outside the company.

2. Some are not able to attend classes during working hours due to the demanding nature of their jobs. They would prefer to attend classes in the afternoon/evening. However, management of most training departments may not consider appointing more than one or two teachers. Their favourite comment is " I do not want to open a school here." And of course one teacher cannot work a 14-hour shift.

4. The problem is even more difficult for shift workers (specially in oil industry) where there are two 12-hour shifts.

Therefore, the idea of self-directed learning is almost vital in situations of teaching English for Occupational Purposes.