For two to four hours each week, English language learners across New Zealand join classes focused on building their English language skills for the workplace.

The programme is English for Employees, a free course offered by English Language Partners for New Zealand residents and citizens with low levels of English. The course aims to boost confidence and English literacy skills for workers, whether employed full-time, part-time or self-employed.

Many learners meet in person, at one of English Language Partners’ 21 language centres, which span from Whangārei to Invercargill, or at various community venues. Others join classes online, allowing them to conveniently fit learning around work and life commitments.

Katie Lissette is one of the teachers of English for Employees. She teaches online through synchronous lessons, where learners connect, interact and learn alongside each other in a virtual classroom.

Recently, Katie travelled to Auckland and had the opportunity to meet some online learners in person. The class had dinner one evening in Auckland’s North Shore.

“I thought it may encourage some learners to meet up socially again in the future. It was very exciting to finally meet in person after a few months of teaching and learning together. I thought it helped to strengthen the bond,” says Katie.

Katie shared that the diverse group of learners got along well and had fun. The meet-up also provided an opportunity to practise skills learnt in English for Employees classes. Socialising is one of the topics covered in the course, with a focus on workplace breaks and casual conversations.

“Previously learners were shy to socialise in an environment where they would need to speak English, but events like this one help break the ice and give them more confidence to speak English in a social setting,” explains Katie.

Katie takes pride in preparing lessons that are practical and relevant to each learner’s job and learning goals.

She shares, “I try to find out as much as I can about the learners - their day-to-day work duties and English literacy requirements. I encourage learners to speak up at every opportunity about their jobs and different experiences, which then gives me ideas for subsequent lesson topics.”

One learner, Maria Arquez, noted that since joining the class, she no longer feels afraid of making mistakes.

“What I enjoy most about my English classes is enhancing my communication skills, expanding my knowledge, and feeling confident enough to make mistakes,” says Maria.

Katie believes English for Employees classes play a significant role in helping learners settle, work and succeed in New Zealand.

“Knowing that these classes play a huge role in assisting learners with career advancement and that as a result of study, learners can better fit into their respective workplaces suggests the lessons are making a difference in their lives," says Katie.

Learners in Katie’s class work in a range of industries and take pride in sharing their learning goals and ambitions.

Ruby Vo from Vietnam arrived in New Zealand in February 2020. She works part-time as a pharmacy assistant and says that learning English has boosted her confidence when communicating with customers. Her long-term goal is to become a pharmacy technician. “I plan to study the Level 4 and 5 Pharmacy Technician courses,” shares Ruby.

Jomer Gesulga, originally from the Philippines, arrived in New Zealand in March 2018. He works as a ceilings and drywall supervisor in the construction industry and says learning English has helped improve his communication skills.

“My goal is to continue learning English, mostly vocabulary,” says Jomer.

Maria Arquez arrived in New Zealand from Colombia in 2022 with her family. She works as a retail assistant and enjoys interacting with customers and improving her English skills. Her goal is to become a qualified pharmacist, and she believes learning English will help her achieve this. “I want to have better job opportunities and be able to communicate with other people,” says Maria.

Amy Moon, originally from South Korea, has lived in New Zealand for many years. She works as a barista and front-of-house staff, where she enjoys speaking with customers and listening to their life stories. Since starting classes at English Language Partners, Amy has learnt new vocabulary and grammar. She hopes to transition to an office role as a receptionist. “I want to try office work rather than hospitality,” shares Amy.

Vilma Parra from Chile arrived in New Zealand in December 2018. She is self-employed and runs a small cleaning business. Vilma says that learning English has given her more confidence to communicate with clients. "My next goal is to make my small company grow and start with a new project,” says Vilma.

Marina Asangono Esono Ndong, originally from Equatorial Guinea, moved to New Zealand in 2019. She works as a chef assistant and says learning English has helped her understand her boss and engage in conversations. Marina aspires to work in healthcare or hairdressing and encourages others to overcome fear and embrace learning opportunities. “Don’t be afraid to join English classes, because fear makes us lose opportunities,” says Marina.

Eulli Pereira da Silva moved to New Zealand in August 2022 from Brazil and works as a kitchen assistant. Her goal is to improve her English and explore new job opportunities. In class, Eulli appreciates the listening practice and her patient teacher. Her advice to others considering joining the course:

“If you really want to improve your English, try to do your best always, and the English classes will help a lot.”