Module 4 offers language training for staff working in integration courses for refugees and other new immigrants.
A needs analysis carried out as part of the Vocal in Need project revealed that language and communication skills for trainers and coaches are of particular relevance in three typical situations:
- when first receiving a new migrant participant;
- when identifying a participant’s career aims and qualification profile;
- when analysing a job offer and assessing the migrant’s eligibility as a job candidate.
According to these findings from the needs analysis, the module focuses on three scenarios reflecting these situations, taking into account typical conversations that occur there. In these situations, trainers, coaches and other integration agency staff need to be able to communicate in easily understandable, clear language, and at the same time use elements of the technical vocabulary of assessment of competences and qualifications, career orientation and job application.
Gender issues have been dealt with sensitively by deliberately choosing gender personae not stereotypical for certain professions (e.g. male nurse).
The objective of Module 4 is to develop language and communication skills with regard to:
- using basic labour market system terms, labour market training and job application procedures;
- introducing migrants to the integration programme and explaining procedures;
- checking and re-formulating phrases to overcome language barriers;
- encouraging migrant course participants to prepare for the labour market and at the same time helping them to get a realistic picture of their situation;
- informing migrants job seekers about formal and informal requirements of the labour market;
- giving support in finding an adequate job.
Module 4 involves three scenarios. They take place in Austria and therefore some references reflect the Austrian integration system. Procedures in other countries may differ.
Scenario 1: “First Contact and Course Admission” in which the learner practices how to:
- welcome a new participant of a labour market preparation course;
- find out which course the participant wants to join;
- describe the aims and the content of the course;
- find out the participant’s level of qualification;
- explain the formalities of course registration.
In Italy there is no “assignment letter” but a “course registration form” may be used.
Scenario 2: “Assessment of Qualifications” in which the learner practices how to:
- identify a job seeker’s career aims;
- talk about opportunities in the labour market;
- find out which formal qualification a job seeker has acquired;
- give advice on how foreign qualifications can be officially recognised;
- make adequate recommendations for further training.
Comparing education systems is difficult and may be more complicated and lengthy than you expect. Therefore, counsellors are encouraged not to raise false hopes.
Scenario 3: “Analysing job ads” in which the learner practices how to:
- talk about requirements of a specific job:
- talk about the importance of soft skills in the labour market;
- help migrant job seekers gain a realistic picture of the labour market;
- encourage them in the application phase;
- use key terminology of job applications.
In Germany you can take part in job application training or this may be included in an integration course. In counselling talks, social services staff can only help to find out how successful a job application might be.