Learn English to Enhance Your Business Prospects in the Philippines



The burgeoning call centre industry evokes feelings of both hope and fear for HR Managers throughout the country. Positions are plentiful, but skilled candidates are not. The shortage of required English skills makes the recruitment process cut-throat, as companies are attempting to attract the same candidates. You need only look in the Manila Bulletin on Sunday morning - the number of call center job ads is astounding.

Beyond call centers , there is also worldwide demand for Filipino medical and construction professionals - all of whom need English language skills.

"We looked at this problem from the top down", says Lesley Rogan, creator of Englishlink. "The competition for suitable candidates is increasing, and salaries are going up. This is not favorable for overseas companies setting up in the Philippines, who are expecting value for the money they are spending and top-notch service in return."

The answer Comprehensive high-quality English training that allows Filipinos, in any part of the country, to develop their English skills. In cooperation with call centers and BPOs, the Working English Bonus (WEB) has been developed to offer potential candidates the opportunity to improve their English at their own pace. Through the WEB program, learners purchase Englishlink Units as required. Once hired, the center refunds their investment in the form of a hiring bonus. "This is a win-win for everyone. The centers are gaining staff, aspiring candidates have a sense of direction and receive the training they need, and the industry can continue to grow, developing our economy", says Tito Chavez of Netopia, a WEB sponsor.

According to Jeff Boone of Load Central, another WEB sponsor: "The call centers that have joined our initiative to date see the value in assisting Filipinos to learn English in order to fill future demand. This is a very forward-thinking solution to a problem that will continue to grow if we do not do something today."

For the call centers and BPOs, this is a welcomed solution. According to Michael Daquina, HR Manager of Nucomm, "The lack of good English speakers in our industry can finally be addressed. Englishlink levels the field by making the opportunity to develop English skills available to anyone in the country. NuComm is pleased to support this creative initiative".

About Drake Training Systems Limited

Drake Training Systems Limited delivers Englishlink, an Internet-based English as a Second Language training program. DTSL's Englishlink delivers innovative and convenient online English training to anyone in the world with broadband access. The program provides access to high quality but affordable English lessons delivered by a native-speaking 'video' teacher.

For further information, please visit www.englishlink.com/pinoy. Call centers interested in participating; please e-mail lesley@englishlink.tv





Learn English to Enhance Your Business Prospects in the Philippines