With language and culture on the way to work in logistics

The municipality of Utrecht believes it is important that there is "space for everyone" in the city. And wants to work together on equal opportunities, but believes that command of the Dutch language is essential. Central to this are processes with combinations of language, education and work. Commissioned by the municipality of Utrecht, we are with our partners, Randstad, KIT Intercultural Professionals started the Language, Work and Culture track in Logistics on 25 November. With the aim of seeking jobseekers in assistance, where the command of the Dutch language and knowledge of the Dutch culture is an obstacle to the labor market, to prepare effectively for working in logistics or to follow a bbl training in logistics employee (MBO2) .

Connection with practice

We achieve this by offering practice-oriented language support and entering into close cooperation with partners and, of course, employers. In addition to the language lessons, participants will gain the first work experience through a Randstad work experience location. At KIT, participants develop intercultural communication skills and get to know the Dutch work culture.
During the process it is important that the different lessons reinforce each other and that the lessons are connected to practice. For example, it is important for the status holder target group to link language teaching and the development of intercultural awareness and communication with practice. A participant must not only learn during the process, but must also be able to apply it.

Phase 1
The process consists of a number of phases. In the first phase, participants receive intensive language training. The emphasis is on a general language increase with a focus on professional language. And attention is paid to general employee skills. To connect the language to practice, participants receive practical assignments. Because the lessons are (partly) given at the employer, the participants can carry out the practical assignments on site.

Phase 2
In the second phase there is still attention for language enhancement, but the focus is more on professional language in logistics. The participants also start in this phase with a work experience place. In addition, the participants in this phase receive cultural training from KIT, in which they become aware of their own cultural glasses through which they look and learn what is expected of them in a Dutch working environment and specifically in logistics (the working culture).

Phase 3
During the third phase of the trajectory the participants do an internship and according to them still the training of KIT and many language lessons. These language lessons are increasingly focused on professional language and practice. In addition, KIT provides sessions for employers on intercultural awareness and communication to foster mutual understanding and increase the chances of success of the participants.

Phase 4
The fourth phase consists mainly of works and subject-specific language lessons. If necessary, participants can receive additional language lessons to prepare for a bbl course or job. In the final phase, the participants are guided towards work or training.

The language lessons

Better understanding, speaking, reading and writing of the Dutch language is an important precondition for successful training and being able to perform a job well. At the same time, language skills are best learned when it comes to 'relevant language' - language that is directly linked to practice. That is why the language training focuses on two parts: general language improvement and competence-based education on the basis of cases and practical assignments.

Language proficiency
Participants improve their language skills through intensive language lessons and the digital teaching method 'Link'. The teacher uses interactive teaching methods; participants practice a lot in class with each other and in the group. The teacher guides the participants with 'Link' and can view the progress of the participants, as well as personal bottlenecks that need to be worked on. Test skills and study skills are important for the BBL study program. We therefore practice reading strategies, instruction language and vocabulary. We encourage participants to self-study and use of the language in practice, for example through language cards on which the participants fill in where they have used Dutch in the past week.

Competences
We coordinate the course objectives with the employer and Randstad prior to the training. Which specific skills are important in logistics and the relevant training? We formulate these skills as competences: "I can ...".
During the trajectory, intensive training is conducted with the competencies, so that participants can and dare not only use the language in the safe setting of the classroom, but also outside of it through practical assignments. In preparation, the theory is discussed in the practical assignment, after which the participants practice in class. The participants then carry out the assignment outside of class, preferably at the workplace. This creates a direct link between theory and practice.

Do you want to know more about this route? Or know what TopTaal can do for you? Take contact up with one of our training advisors!