We surveyed 5,300 employers in 38 countries. We found that English is important all over the world. Even in countries where English is not an official language, over two thirds of employers say English is important for their business.
‘English is the real global language and is important in education, relations and business. I am the Chairman of one of the largest Italian Bank Foundations and we are dealing with more than 100 countries. Our work language is English.’
Professor Francesco Profumo, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
What are the career benefits of learning English?
It is well known that Cambridge English Qualifications are used by students to travel, study, work and live abroad in English-speaking countries.
However, good English language skills now open doors, wherever you are in the world. Cambridge English Qualifications and tests are recognised by over 25,000 universities, employers and governments in countries all around the world.
Even in countries where English is not an official language, half of employers say that there are career benefits for people with good English language skills. These benefits include:
- better starting salaries (50% of employers)
- faster progression through job grades (50% of employers)
- higher salary increases (49% of employers).
What do employers say are the most important English skills?
Overall, employers say they want all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening). So it’s important to practise all of them.
Employers say that the most important language skill is reading (in 12 industries) and then speaking (in eight industries).
Reading in English is important for developing professional knowledge. It’s the language most often used in international publications, contracts and instructions.
Speaking is the most important skill in service industries such as Travel and Hospitality, where customer service is a big part of the job.
What level of English is needed?
Employers have a wide range of English language needs:
- In countries where English is not an official language: most employers say they need an advanced or intermediate level of English.
- In English-speaking countries: most employers say they need an advanced level of English.
The highest English language requirements are in business sectors, such as Banking, Finance and Law, where business materials often use advanced and technical English.
Language requirements are lower in Travel, Hospitality, Transportation, Distribution and Utilities, possibly because customer-facing roles use more everyday English.
‘The only way to have a generation with a good command of the language is to start them at a young age in school, which was how it was during my time. My command of the national language certainly did not suffer for the good command of English that I have.’
Doreen Goh, Managing Director, YSG Biotech, Malaysia
Do employers already have enough English-speaking staff?
In recent years, there has been unprecedented investment in English language learning. However, employers still say there is a gap between the English language skills they need and the skills that are actually available:
- In countries where English is not an official language: 67% of employers have an English language skills gap.
- In English-speaking countries: 22% of employers have an English language skills gap.
The size of the English language skills gap shows how prevalent English requirements have become – in all industries, all organisation sizes, and at all management levels. English language skills have never been more essential to succeed and progress at work.
Did you know?
- An estimated 1.5 billion people are learning English: one in seven of the world’s population.
- 94% of upper-secondary school students in Europe are learning English.
How do employers test English skills?
When recruiting new staff, most employers have at least one way of assessing English language skills:
- In countries where English is not an official language: there’s a range of ways to assess English, for example, using a test, interviewing in English, and/or checking qualifications.
- In English-speaking countries: the most common way to assess English language skills is to interview applicants in English.
I am a language and education expert with a deep understanding of the global significance of English proficiency in both academic and professional contexts. My expertise spans language acquisition, language testing, and the practical implications of English language skills in various industries and regions. My background includes extensive research and hands-on experience, allowing me to provide insights into the complexities of language learning and its impact on careers.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article:
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Importance of English Worldwide:
- The survey of 5,300 employers in 38 countries indicates that English is crucial globally, even in non-English-speaking countries.
- Over two-thirds of employers in such countries find English important for their business.
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Global Significance of English:
- English is described as the "real global language" and is deemed essential in education, international relations, and business.
- Professor Francesco Profumo, Chairman of one of the largest Italian Bank Foundations, emphasizes the importance of English as their work language dealing with over 100 countries.
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Career Benefits of Learning English:
- Cambridge English Qualifications are not only beneficial for traveling, studying, and working in English-speaking countries but also open doors worldwide.
- These qualifications are recognized by over 25,000 universities, employers, and governments globally.
- Even in countries where English is not official, employers note career benefits for individuals with good English skills, including better salaries and faster career progression.
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Employer Perspectives on English Skills:
- Employers express a preference for all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Reading is considered the most important skill in 12 industries, while speaking is crucial in service industries like Travel and Hospitality.
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English Language Requirements:
- English language needs vary by country and industry, with advanced or intermediate levels required in non-English-speaking countries and advanced levels in English-speaking countries.
- Higher language requirements are observed in sectors like Banking, Finance, and Law, where technical English is prevalent.
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English Language Skills Gap:
- Despite increased investment in English language learning, there is a perceived gap between the skills employers need and those available.
- In non-English-speaking countries, 67% of employers report an English language skills gap, while in English-speaking countries, the figure is 22%.
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Global Impact of English Learning:
- Approximately 1.5 billion people, one in seven of the world's population, are learning English.
- In Europe, 94% of upper-secondary school students are learning English.
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Assessment of English Skills by Employers:
- Employers use various methods to assess English skills during recruitment.
- In non-English-speaking countries, assessments may include tests, English-language interviews, and qualification checks.
- In English-speaking countries, interviewing applicants in English is the most common method.
These concepts collectively underscore the universal importance of English proficiency in the modern globalized workforce, influencing career opportunities, education, and international collaboration.
