1. Module introduction

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, labour market preparation courses are organized by training centres, on behalf and with the direct financial support of the shelter. Shelters can provide subsidies to pay for these activities thanks to different funds for migrants such as Italian AMIF (Asylum and Migration Integration Fund).
In Italy there is no “assignment letter” but a “course registration form” may be used.
Employment Service is responsible for the provision of labour market services to jobseekers and employers and the implementation of active labour market policy measures. Local labour exchange offices offer services for jobseekers increasing their ability to compete in the labour market and job motivation.
In Bulgaria, after the local job centre has approved a candidate for a certain programme, the candidate is given (in person) an official Notification document which they usually have to send to the training centre. On the basis of that, the centre enrols the individual in the given course for the earliest available date.
Staff of institutions dealing with integration use so-called “simple language“ very often in order to communicate important information despite language issues. Therefore, every user should be prepared to refrain from using complex sentence structure, conjunctions and adverbs.

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.
According to Employment Service data, there is currently a shortage of doctors, nurses and midwives in the Lithuanian labour market.
In Bulgaria, nurses are exclusively female with only very few exceptions. This is reflected in the name of the profession in Bulgarian: the literal translation into English would be “medical sister”. The few male exceptions are colloquially called “medical brothers”, but no such profession exists in the National Register of Professions thus in the diploma the major is still called “medical sister”. To avoid false expectations, for a foreigner who would like to practice the profession in Bulgaria it would be important to know that social status of the profession is not as high as in some other countries which is reflected in their pay. The role of a nurse in Bulgaria is equal to a doctor’s assistant.
Staff of institutions dealing with integration use so-called “simple language“ very often in order to communicate important information despite language issues. Therefore every user should be prepared to refrain from using complex sentence structure, conjunctions and adverbs.
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.
A foreigner intending to work in the Republic of Lithuania is required to submit documents corresponding to his or her qualifications. Employment Service officials help to fill in the required documents.
Staff of institutions dealing with integration use so-called “simple language“ very often in order to communicate important information despite language issues. Therefore every user should be prepared to refrain from using complex sentence structure, conjunctions and adverbs.
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.