Lex opts for language training

Citation

(2002), "Lex opts for language training", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 34 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2002.03734eab.004

Lex opts for language training

Lex opts for language training

Lex Auto Logistics is developing the language skills of its employees as the company grows into a pan-European business.

The UK-based firm has a distribution centre in the French city of Metz which offers guaranteed next-day delivery anywhere in France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Spain.

Mark Eburne, managing director, said: "We have acknowledged the importance of increasing our foreign-language skills. As we grow our pan-European business, it is important that we have the ability to speak to existing and potential customers in their own language and not to rely on their ability to speak English."

Spanish classes, in particular, are booming at the company's open-learning centre at Chorley, Lancashire. The course, run in conjunction with Preston College, was originally a five-week taster. It has now been increased to ten weeks, with plans to develop more advanced courses later. A course in business Portuguese is also planned.

The centre offers learn direct programmes over the Internet, enabling employees to learn from home or work. Courses come in small units, so that progress can be achieved in "bite-size chunks". Subjects include information technology, business and management and business studies.