Immigration Solicitors

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills has launched new English language qualifications for migrant workers and employers. The new English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for Work qualifications will make it easier for migrant workers to get the practical English language skills they are likely to need in the workplace. There will be eight ESOL for Work qualifications, each having a slightly different focus and taking a different approach to assessment.

The new qualifications are shorter and more work-focused than traditional ESOL qualifications, giving learners practical English skills in essential workplace matters, such as health and safety and customer service. As well as better accuracy, efficiency and effectiveness, the new qualifications are designed to help employers benefit from improved communication and productivity and there will therefore be a fee payable for the course of study.

It is hoped that the qualifications will enable workers to improve their skills faster than through a traditional ESOL course. They are to be funded and delivered differently from traditional ESOL courses so that learners will be able to bypass the waiting lists that may exist on free ESOL courses.

The cost of the new ESOL for Work courses will continue to be funded by the Government but a contribution will be required from employers, who directly benefit from the provision. The Learning and Skills Council has set the tariff for ESOL for Work at £880. In 2007/08 the fee element is £330, for which the learner or learner's sponsor (employer) is responsible. The initial take up group for the new qualifications is expected to be those people who have come to the country for work and who need skills to function in work, as well as those seeking work at the end of short periods of employment.

Initially, the ESOL for Work qualifications will be available at Entry Level 3 and Level 1. Entry Level 3 is broadly equivalent to the standard expected of an 11 year old. Level 1 is broadly equivalent in difficulty to an English GCSE at grades D to G. For further information visit www.duncanlewis.co.uk.

A leaflet on the new qualifications can be found at
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/readwriteplus/bank.cfm
?section=971.