Westminster Business Solutions is a provider of education in the workplace and has recently started to deliver the NOCN ESOL for Work qualification with OCN London Region.  The NOCN Qualification is designed to provide functional English skills appropriate for the workplace and offers the flexibility needed to devise a course which suits both learner and employers’ needs.

WBS, as part of Westminster Adult Education Services, works with a variety of employers and with a diverse range of occupations.

Steve Warburton, Skills for Work Coordinator, says “ We have had to make every course we run unique. The NOCN units of credit assessment criteria allow the college to create their own assessment materials, which test the skills and language taught over the course and so we are able to make the whole programme entirely relevant to the students’ needs.

We can avoid the traditional exam type of assessment which can often be intimidating for students, especially for those who are not from an academic background. Assessments can be fun, interesting and, most importantly, relevant.

We have been very happy with the progress the students have made. They have worked towards the Entry 3 and Level 1 qualification and many learners now have the relevant skills to start a vocational qualification.

Both employers and learners have expressed appreciation for a course which can be delivered on their own premises, at their own pace and towards their own specific aims.

Our ESOL for Work project has shown that there is real desire amongst employers to develop their employees’ skills and to motivate their workforce.”