English lessons for Polish drivers at Arriva, Watford

Seventeen Arriva bus drivers originating from Polandparticipated in an English course delivered by DunstableCollege.

The “English for Speakers of Other Languages”course is for people whose first language is not English. As wellas improving the drivers' understanding of the English language,the course also focuses on practical skills which are essential forliving and integrating in the UK.

Arriva is working in partnership with a training agency, basedin Krakow, which helps to facilitate the relocation of people fromPoland to the UK in a managed, supportive way. They are givenEnglish language training, capability and competency tests and areprepared for the cultural change, rather than simply making a moveto a different country.

Arriva has taken one of its own buses over to Poland so that thedrivers have experience of handling a right hand drive vehicle. Thecompany also provides a mentor for each group of Polish employeesso if they have any concerns or need to clarify anything, they cando so quickly and personally. And Arriva ensures they have Internetaccess so that they can keep in touch with their families.

Sean Smales, operations manager of Arriva, Watford, said:

Drivers joining the ESOL course once they have moved tothe UK has really helped. They have been able to build on theirexisting language skills and to develop their skills and confidenceto a high standard more quickly.

This not only benefits the company, but has alsoenabled the drivers to make the most of their move to theUK.

Wlodimierz Woka, one of the drivers who joined Arriva fromPoland said:

We liked our English class very much. The people atArriva are very friendly, and the teacher helped us to talk to thepeople here and make friends.

Dunstable College run ESOL classes (English for Speakers ofOther Languages) throughout the year. They can also deliver coursesfor individual businesses.