Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE) has been helping employees of Cranswick Convenience Foods build brighter futures through on-site English language lessons.
An English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) functional skills course is being delivered directly within the workplace for staff at Cranswick’s Sutton Fields Industrial Estate factory.
Sessions are being provided by HTAE to enable employees to learn English alongside colleagues in a familiar environment.
Two classes are available, a beginner level class for employees starting their English language journey and a functional skills class, where employees are working towards an English Functional Skills qualification at Entry Level 1 or Entry Level 2.
Courses are currently funded by the Department for Education and a bespoke approach is taken to ensure the provision is fully tailored to both learners and businesses.
Cranswick staff attend voluntarily, with the company supporting them with an hour’s pay alongside an hour of their personal time.
The partnership between Cranswick and HTAE is helping employees build essential English skills that support workplace communication, personal independence and long-term career progression.
Dragos Ciubotaru, who works in packing, moved to Hull from Romania five years ago and has been a full-time Cranswick employee for the past three years.
He said: “I wanted to improve my English and I feel the courses are really helping and improving my knowledge.
“It’s good that they come here to my place of work and I can learn with colleagues as well. I feel like it will really help me in the future and help me progress in my career.”
Originally from Ukraine, Tetiana Martyniuk has lived in Hull for two years and has worked in Cranswick’s packing department since arriving.
She began studying with HTAE after joining the company and is now preparing for her exam.
“I feel like I understand much more English now,” Tetiana said. “I knew a little before, but the course has helped me be more confident with writing and speaking.
“The teaching has been very good for me, they explain well and I understand much better now and being able to speak and communicate better with colleagues means I feel more confident in my role and for myself personally.”
By bringing learning directly into the factory, HTAE removes barriers to education, making it easier than ever for staff to access high-quality teaching, gain qualifications and increase their confidence both inside and outside of work.
Magdalena Piasecka, senior operational trainer at Cranswick Convenience Foods, said: “ESOL has a significant positive impact on both our people and the wider business.
“Supporting colleagues to develop their English skills helps build confidence, improves communication and strengthens inclusion across our teams.
“This, in turn, supports safer working practices, better collaboration and clearer understanding of training and progression opportunities.
“At Cranswick, we see ESOL not just as a language programme, but as an investment in our workforce.
“By helping employees grow and thrive, we are also building a more engaged, capable and resilient business.”
Rachel Nolan, ESOL manager at HTAE, added: “Cranswick staff have received outstanding support from their line managers and the company’s learning and development team to develop their English language skills.
“Staff have demonstrated the high level of commitment among employees, reflected in excellent attendance rates and all learners have expressed a desire to progress their skills on completion of their course.”
Hull Training and Adult Education offers part-time courses for adults aged 19 or over, with flexible class times on mornings, afternoons and evenings, catering from all levels.
Throughout learners’ studies, they will be taught and assessed by experienced and specialist ESOL tutors to improve skills in speaking and listening and reading and writing.
If English isn’t a learner’s first language, these courses will improve essential language skills for everyday life.
To book your place on a course, please call 01482 615 349 or 616 580. An initial assessment will be done to ensure learners are enrolled on the correct courses.
A relaxed, informal ESOL community group is held every Friday during term time from 10am to 12noon, offering a friendly and welcoming environment with tea and coffee provided. Activities vary weekly, from crafting, informal discussion and guest speakers.
Businesses in Hull interested in an ESOL course for their staff can contact HTAE’s ESOL manager, Rachel Nolan, on 01482 613 960 or rachel.nolan@hullcc.gov.uk.