I have to say I’m concerned that language studies were made optional in secondary schools several years ago, and the number of students taking language studies has fallen. The UK already lags far behind other European countries in speaking a language other than our own. There are two reasons for this I believe. Firstly we are an island with a view we are separate to Europe and secondly other nations are ready and willing to conduct business in English.
Speaking a second language sets candidates apart when looking for the next opportunity. Any language recruiter will tell you that that anyone with English mother tongue and fluency in a second language will be relatively easy to place in gainful employment, and secures a higher than average salary comparable to a similar position without a language. We are always very keen to discuss opportunities, salary levels etc with anyone to demonstrate this. Equally, this lack of languages amongst the UK population means there are more jobs than there are people. If you’re thinking of working in the Uk and have English as a second language, or are already here and thinking of your next move, there has never been a better time to look regardless of the economy.
Sure, non-UK based businesses are happy to work in English but even attempting to converse in the native language of the company you are dealing with really sets you apart particularly in a sales environment. You only have to look at any of the language job boards, or the jobs on our own website to see this is the case. In our own business, we only employ consultants with at least one other language to ensure business and interviews can be conducted in the mother tongue. We are also always looking to add consultants with a second language. If you think recruitment might be for you, get in touch. Its lots of fun!
This new move concerns me. The less students study languages, the further behind we will fall in being competitive with other European nations. If you were a tourist visiting London from outside of the UK who didn’t speak English, how many people would you have to speak to before you could get help or directions? One in twenty? One in forty? This must have an impact on visitors to the UK, and in turn the tourist industry which generates so much revenue for the UK Economy.
If you have any level of fluency in another language now is the time to start studying again and developing your skills. This might mean a period of work out of the UK, or making sure that you are using your language skills in your current job fully, so that they don’t become dormant. If you are not, we would love to hear from you and find you a role where you will. If you retain and develop your skills, you will be at even more of a premium in a few years time.
It is a serious issue. It’s not enough to speak loudly and slowly. Rather than removing languages from compulsory study, we should be looking at ways to make language study more enjoyable and rewarding for school children and students of all ages. I would love to hear your stories of why you took up language studies, and your ideas on how it could be made more popular in schools and colleges. Please post a comment if you have any ideas.
