The Importance of Language Skills in Business

Our Guest Blog this week is by Nicola Beedle who is an expert in International Business and is Managing Director of NB Translate - www.nbtranslate.com

There is a serious skill gap in the UK with regards to languages. Despite being a multi-cultural nation, the perpetual mentality of “everyone speaks English” has lead us to create a language skills gap in the work force. This has been aggravated by the government’s lack of emphasis on the importance of language and language skills in the classroom.

In fact the 2012 CBI Employer survey, which interviewed 542 businesses, found that almost 75% of UK private sector employers see a need for, or a benefit in having, foreign language skills in their business. (CBI/Pearson: Learning To Grow: What Employers Need From Education and Skills, 2012). But yet, the British Academy’s Languages: The State of The Nation report found that in 2011, 27% of administrative and clerical jobs went unfilled due to a lack of foreign language skills.

It’s not only the benefit of speaking another language which business owners need and see as desirable, but also the attributes and skills that come along with it, such as cultural awareness, international awareness and comprehension skills. Here at NBTranslate, for example, we see this added value all the time. Our translators, through learning language skills, have picked up many other skills along the way which become essential to our clients’ success.

But the need for language skills is not only limited to the translation industry; Top Language Jobs have found that currently the highest demand for language skills are actually in the customer service and call centre sectors. This is then followed by the translation industry but coming up close behind are the Sales and IT industries, respectively.

Languages are needed across so many sectors that by learning one, you’ll help yourself stand out from the crowd, no matter what industry you’re looking to get into. Just look at the example of the Grand Départ in Yorkshire this coming weekend. Hotels, restaurants and shops will see an influx in foreign visitors – your language skills could help them serve their new foreign customers well and get them to come back and visit Yorkshire over and over again, resulting in more opportunities and economic growth for everyone.

Languages are here to stay. Improving your skills or learning a new language today will help you find a better job tomorrow.

www.nbtranslate.com

If you are looking to Export ot Import and have any questions about Transaltion, please call Nicola at NB Translate on 03333 214602 or email  on info@nbtranslate.com