Recently launched as a complement to the current range of Skills of Life ESOL assessments, ESOL For Work is a new and dynamic curriculum for learners already in or planning to move to the workplace. The qualifications are shorter and more work-focused than other traditional ESOL curriculum, covering all skill modes they are initially offered at Entry Level 3 and Level 1.
NOCN Certificates in ESOL for Work (Entry 3 and Level 1) are for learners from the age of 18 upwards and are specifically designed to address the needs of those in work or seeking work. ESOL for Work provides learners with the necessary skills to work effectively in their jobs: learning to speak English whilst studying an area of their choosing, including:
- Business Administration
- Health Care
- Retail Management
- Legal Services
Each of the qualifications has a unit-based approach allowing learners to achieve in small steps and gain separate certification for the three modes of Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing at levels appropriate to their learning needs.
ESOL for Work offers the opportunity to quickly gain more work-focused language skills and requires a shorter time commitment, which is particularly useful for those who may not wish to reside it the UK long-term. Learning is directly relevant to the learner’s job, providing a motivating context and enabling them to apply their new skills immediately.
Recommended Prior Learning
It is recommended that learners have had their skills assessed using ESOL diagnostic assessment tools and are able to meet the national standards at Entry 2 for the relevant modes of Speaking and Listening and Reading, and Entry 1 for Writing.
Alternatively, learners may have achieved ESOL Skills for Life qualifications or units of qualifications at Entry 2, such as the NOCN Entry 2 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life or other Skills for Life qualifications.
Progression Opportunities
Progression for ESOL for Work learners can cover a broad spectrum of opportunities within employment and through further, adult or community education. The job- focused and practical approad to English skills can lead to new and improved work opportunities. Learners achieving this qualification will have covered elements of the Adult Core Curriculum which enables them to progress on to higher levels or sub-levels for the ESOL Core Curriculum as appropriate to their individual learning needs.
Achievement of Qualifications
The qualifications require achievement of the specified units with no further requirement for additional/summative assessment. Achievement is therefore determined by successful completion of unit assessment.
Programme Structure
| Unit title |
Credit |
Hours |
Achievement required for Entry 3 qualification |
Achievement required for level 1 qualification |
Reading for work |
6 |
60 |
Entry 3 |
Level 1 |
Speaking and Listening for work |
6 |
60 |
Entry 3 |
Level 1 |
Writing for work |
3 |
30 |
Entry 2 or
Entry 3 |
Entry 3 or
Level 1 |
Course commencement
First week of each month
Duration of the programme
6 months to 1 year full time
Mode of Delivery
Full-time face to face
Assessment
The qualifications are assessed through internally set assessments which are internally marked and verified by the Centre and externally moderated by NOCN.
