We spoke with college staff Chelle, Nerissa, and Saima to find out why the programme is so special and how they are supporting learners to thrive both in the workplace and in the local community.
Nerissa: Courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) are essential for a town such as Oldham. We’re based in a very diverse area with many religions, nationalities, and over 150 languages spoken. Almost a third of the school leavers who arrive at the college speak English as a second language, so ESOL is essential for people’s integration and progression.
Tell us about your nominated ESOL programme.
Chelle: We’ve been nominated for our Community Interpreting Programme, where we offer courses from Level 1 all the way through to Level 3, after which we see many of our learners enter the workforce and become successful in the interpreting world.
This programme is incredibly special. It has been co-designed with external local stakeholders, Northern Care Alliance and Language Line, who work tirelessly with us to support the business planning and curriculum planning, to ensure that the course meets the current needs of the interpreting industry.
Saima: Many learners come to us with very little confidence. However, as they develop their English skills, they gain that confidence and realise just how much more they have to give.
They understand that multilingualism isn’t something to shy away from – it’s something to be celebrated.
Saima
How have you adapted the course to meet the needs of your learners?
Saima: This course is not just about language – it's about empowering learners to get out into employment and further education. We're always reflecting on and evaluating the success of our courses and what the learners need to be successful, within the skills, qualities that they need to be interpreters, but also to be successful in the world of work and tailoring their skills and the resources and the lessons to them.
What have been the outcomes for the learners?
Chelle: We have many exceptional student success stories. One learner has opened his own interpreting company, while others have gone on to work as interpreters in police immigration, law, and the healthcare system all over the UK. We’re really proud of their achievements.
What do you love most about your job?
Nerissa: I love seeing the progress of a learner who has recently arrived in the UK with little or no English, who then grows to become fully integrated into the society and culture of Oldham. That’s what it's all about.
Saima: I love seeing the learners flourish and gain the confidence to thrive in different fields. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing them gain work or voluntary employment and give back to their communities.
Why is ESOL important?
Saima: ESOL matters because it's not about us. It's about the learners. It's about their journey. It’s about empowering them with the language and the skills to be able to communicate effectively and to reach their goals, which is brilliant.
Chelle: ESOL really matters. It’s what our community wants and needs: we have so many learners that come through our doors who want to be better and participate in the community. They want to be involved in their children's schools and lives, make their own appointment, and be successful in society.