The challenge
The previous “weekly classes” approach to business English training just wasn’t enough. As Schmack’s Head of HR, Carola Bayer-Lange put it “the training was really isolated from what we were doing, and what we were working on.” Ensuring that Schmack’s employees can operate effectively and with confidence in English became a priority for Carola and her HR team. A new solution was needed where training was directly related to the staff’s business needs and quickly impacted on-the-job performance.
The training
Together, we developed a blended approach based around the core strengths of the InCorporate Trainer solution – flexibility, tailored training and on-the-job support.
"The implementation of the training concept was very easy. Because of the structure we were able to set up a schedule in a very short time, organize assessments, assess language skills and directly start with the training.”
Business English training became job-specific and practical. When Schmack’s staff needed to write documents and mails, join meetings, or make calls, our trainer proactively provided on-the-job support. This then led to feedback, which in turn was used to further customize the focus and content of scheduled training (seminars, 1-to-1 training, groups and online). Finally, regular updating and reporting meant that Schmack had transparency and control over their training investment.
“ The most important point about the training is that it’s very close to the job. It’s really very close to our specific needs at Schmack. And the concept is very flexible - whenever we have a special need or request, it can be catered for.”
The result
“Now it is easier for us to communicate with international markets. What has definitely changed is that people have lost their fear of using English. They are much more professional in terms of answering the telephone, writing emails, and communicating with foreign customers. And our people are having fun learning - they really like to speak English now. That was our goal!
- Carola Bayer-Lange , Head of HR, Schmack Biogas
Part of the Viessmann group, Schmack Biogas has been a leading global provider of biogas plants since 1995. The company provides comprehensive solutions from one single source and has installed more than 500 plants worldwide. Being able to work in English has always been important at Schmack. However the German parliament’s decision in 2014 to substantially reduce biogas subsidies made the need to sell and deliver globally a business-critical challenge. Being able to work confidently in English was now a must.
