People have been brought down to earth by technology, and as a result, there is a great desire...
Technology professionals are in high demand all around the world, but those who speak English are more employable. PeopleCert’s Business Development Head (APAC), Vivek Joseph, explains why and lays out a strategy for succeeding in a competitive employment market.
The global technological skills gap is widely known, with coders, DevOps specialists, big data analysts, and project managers among the most in-demand individuals. It is for this reason that nations such as Dubai and Saudi Arabia are banking their future economic strategies on becoming knowledge centers to attract technology businesses and a trained workforce.
The need for technical personnel is also strong in India. However, there is now an even greater focus on being able to read, write, and speak English.
Historically, demand for English in India has increased in line with global outsourcing patterns employed beginning in the late 1990s. This included everything from front-line customer care and technical assistance to business-critical application development.
However, it is no longer the only reason English is in demand. Indian companies that want to expand have realized that a strong cohort of English speakers may help them achieve their goals and ensure smooth communication both inside India and outside.
English is important to their strategy since it is one of two languages utilized for national government communications (the other being Hindi). It’s perfect for communication amongst employees who speak one of the 29 recognized local languages at home because it’s a widely known language.
Despite receiving official messages in English, few people have a thorough understanding of the language. They may comprehend English but be unable to talk in it. This is primarily due to the fact that elementary school pupils are taught in their native language.
Recognizing the increasing importance of English, the Indian IT community has banded together to solve this gap. Having a strong command of the language offers up several prospects for better careers and travel, not only in India but all around the world.
Migrant workers with strong technology and English skills are now predominantly employed in Europe, Australia, and the United States, with North America accounting for the lion’s share (70%).
There’s also proof that English can help IT workers break through the glass ceiling. ITIL and PRINCE 2 certificates have continuously ranked among the top ten most in-demand skills for the last 10 years. Professionals with these service and project management skills may expect to earn an extra $12,000 per year. When this is combined with exceptional English abilities, the chance for a non-native speaker to earn more is greatly increased. Previous research indicates that proficient English, as opposed to no English at all, increases hourly pay by 34%.
English proficiency might be a deal-breaker for anyone who aspires to travel, work, or study abroad but does not speak it well. So, how might highly driven technologists advance?
Improving your employability
Formal certificates are the answer to increased employability. The Language Test of English (LTE), which is part of LanguageCert’s larger portfolio of globally recognized English tests, is a widely regarded method of rating English skills across the world. At the bottom of the scale is ‘A1/A2,’ which suggests that someone knows very little English. The highest level is ‘C1/C2,’ which is comparable to a native speaker. Solution architects, technology leaders, and program managers seeking work in North America, Australia, or the United Kingdom must all hold a C2 certificate.
Tens of thousands of individuals have taken three crucial actions to aid them on their journey: measuring abilities against certifications, choosing a competent provider that understands the career or study desire, and adopting a ‘levels-based’ approach to learning.
Millions of people can attest that learning English may open up a world of travel and job prospects. However, selecting a supplier that can swiftly set you on the correct track to success is important for long-term job success.
- Understand where you areTo begin, it is critical to establish where you stand on the English abilities that companies need. Taking an online LTE exam can help you assess where you stand on the English proficiency spectrum. It evaluates listening, reading, and writing, and will eventually include speaking as well.The test typically lasts 30-40 minutes, although candidates have up to one hour and 20 minutes to finish it. A tentative score is presented at the end of the test. This is followed by a confirmed outcome.
- Identify the right preparation providerWhen you know your score, you can take the proper course to close the gap if it is lower than C1 or C2. But it’s critical to select the appropriate preparation provider – one who will make you ready for the goal you’ve set for yourself.If you want to improve your skills, look for a training provider who understands your field and the marketplaces where you will most likely find a job.
- Take a level-specific approachIt’s usually a good idea to seek a service that will combine learning and testing. These professionals are more likely to be invested in your achievement. They will have excellent procedures, methods, and teaching techniques in place, as well as a ‘level-based’ learning and assessment program. If you need to acquire a C2 grade, they will assist you to get there from where you are now.
Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.
For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com