Firms demand specialist language skills to break into new markets
23 June 2014
British businesses are increasingly looking for workers who can speak languages, such as Mandarin and Arabic, which can help them break into fast-growing new markets, according to the annual CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey.
Mon, 23 Jun 2014British businesses are increasingly looking for workers who can speak languages, such as Mandarin and Arabic, which can help them break into fast-growing new markets, according to the annual CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey.
The foreign languages rated as useful include: French 50%; German 49%; Spanish 44%; Mandarin 31%; Arabic 23%; Polish 19%; Russian 18%; Cantonese 16%; Japanese 15%; Portuguese 11% (and other 16%).
Katja Hall, the CBI deputy director-general, said: “With the EU still our largest export market, it’s no surprise to see German, French and Spanish language skills so highly prized by companies. But with China and Latin America seeing solid growth, ambitious firms want the language skills that can smooth the path into new markets.
“Young people considering their future subject choices should be made more aware of the benefits to their careers that can come from studying a foreign language.”
The foreign languages rated as useful include: French 50%; German 49%; Spanish 44%; Mandarin 31%; Arabic 23%; Polish 19%; Russian 18%; Cantonese 16%; Japanese 15%; Portuguese 11% (and other 16%).
Katja Hall, the CBI deputy director-general, said: “With the EU still our largest export market, it’s no surprise to see German, French and Spanish language skills so highly prized by companies. But with China and Latin America seeing solid growth, ambitious firms want the language skills that can smooth the path into new markets.
“Young people considering their future subject choices should be made more aware of the benefits to their careers that can come from studying a foreign language.”
