This page is for your comments, questions and suggestions on anything related to this website, e.g. English competencies, training providers, workplace communication issues, Qatarization and English competence, etc. Let us know what you think or want to know!

Questions & Answers

What is TAFE's relationship to English language training?

Technical and Further Education (TAFE) certification in accordance with Australian National Training Authority standards has been adopted for a number of training programmes at QP. For example, successful candidates on the Technical Preparation Programme (TPP) are awarded Certificates I to III in Metal and Engineering. This certification process emphasises workplace learning and assessment. It is also possible that a Skills Recognition Process based on TAFE certification might be introduced for employees as well. Some of the required competencies for such certification are based around workplace communication. At its simplest, English language training before, during and after these programmes supports and reinforces the TAFE training modules in addition to preparing trainees for the wider workplace.

In talking about the competencies, what does it mean that the English Competence Team has ratified the framework?

As mentioned on this site, the English Competence Team has ratified QP's competency framework as a recommended framework. In brief, this means that the members of this team strongly recommend that all SQP Plan companies use the framework:

• as a basis for English language training in our Energy & Industry sector. This would allow for much more efficient, relevant and effective English training.
• as a basis for English language assessment, and thus for a common understanding of English levels. This would greatly enhance our perception of and cooperation in industry-wide issues.
• as a basis for Job Families analysis and the setting of English competence levels against Job Levels. Again, we could consequently draw a better picture of levels across the industry, and more accurately share information.

Companies are encouraged to introduce the framework internally and to request that training providers implement it for training and assessment purposes - as QP has done.

Does anyone know of any good online English learning courses or programmes for Arab learners?

We would love to hear any recommendations or opinions. Popular courses are Global English, Rosetta Stone, Reward, Dyned, and Longman Business English. See the Links page for e-learning resources.

What if my company requires different competencies to the ones detailed in the competency framework on the 'Competencies' page?

The English Competence Team is currently reviewing the competency framework you mention with a view to ratifying it for a one-year period. We see no problem with companies running specific English language competencies parallel to these at the relevant levels. Later in the year, we hope to distribute competencies for such specific and technical courses as Radio Communications, Log Writing, etc. If you would like to be part of this review process, please contact us.

Is there a minimum English level that you recommend for Qatari developees before they go on training courses abroad?

QP recommends that developees should be at least Intermediate-A level before they do any overseas training.

"I read your website with interest. I presently have a few expatriate Arab-speaking technicians working in my section who have very little English language skills, which is seriously inhibiting their progress into computer-based systems. Please advise if there are any basic courses they can undertake. It appears that the courses would have to be undertaken out of normal working hours and be self-financed."

"Given the hours, the self-financing issue and the nature of the training required, we suggest contacting either the British Council or Hi Tech (contact details as on Providers page)."

"Can you tell me some more about Job Families? I'm familiar with the term but don't understand the relationship to English competence."

"In brief, many of the companies in the Energy & Industry sector have adopted a Job Families structure as recommended by an external evaluator such as the Hay Group. Consequently, they have job descriptions for each level of each family. Typically, however, these descriptions do not include an English component. In other words, the description might detail the technical competencies required for a Job Level, but not the English language competencies. After conducting such an analysis internally, QP has set up a team which analyses companies' Job Families structures to determine the English competence level required at different Job Levels. To give an example, at QP we determined that Level One of the Safety & Fire Job Family requires a minimum English competence level of Elementary. This type of information is vital not only for training purposes such as planning and budgeting but also for numerous HR functions such as recruitment and development, and consequently quality Qatarization. In line with this, the English Competence Team adopted the 'Matching of English competencies to established Job Families/Groups' as one of its three main recommendations. If you would like to learn more, please contact Mary Rigg at QP on 440-2721 or rigg@qp.com.qa

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