Workplace English Program (WEP)

The Workplace English Program is available free to all staff of the University of New South Wales who would like to improve their English language and communication skills for the workplace. The Workplace English Program is funded by the University of New South Wales and is presented by the UNSW Institute of Languages. Every year the Workplace English Program provides training for over 100 academic and professional and technical UNSW staff members from more than 20 different language backgrounds.

All staff members of UNSW (professional, technical, academic, permanent, short-term and casual contract staff) who would like to improve their English communication skills. Classes take place on Campus during work hours.

Although the courses are aimed at non-native English speakers, staff whose first language is English are also welcome to attend appropriate classes. Specifically designed programs for departments and units can also be developed.

Group classes: two hour classes which cover areas such as writing skills for administrative and academic purposes, telephone skills, pronunciation and oral presentations.*
Individual Consultations: one-on-one assistance can be provided in any area of English communication.
Individual Learning Programs: can be set up for study at home or in the Library Support Unit located at the UNSW Institute of Languages, L5, 223 Anzac Parade, Kensington.

* Most group classes run for ten weeks.

Course dates for 2010	Course name	Course aim
5 Jan	English at Work	Further develop your overall English skills within a work context
6 Jan	Telephoning in English	Further develop your telephone skills
9 Feb	Pronunciation skills	Improve your fluency and confidence in spoken communication
10 Feb	English Grammar	Further develop your English grammar skills
4 May	Living and Working in English	Improve your speaking and listening skills at work as well as socially
5 May	Writing in the Workplace	Further develop your professional writing skills
20 Jul	Vocabulary Development	Develop your vocabulary as well as your learning skills
21 Jul	Conversation at Work	Become a more confident speaker in a variety of work contexts
12 Oct	Listening to Australia	Improve your understanding of Australian English
13 Oct	Speaking Skills	Become a more fluent and confident speaker, both socially and at work

Presentation Skills for NESB (Non-English Speaking Background) Lecturers is a free ten week course fully funded by UNSW, designed to assist participants develop new skills and strategies to improve their course delivery and overall communication skills.

Course topics covered:

• Improving pronunciation to increase student comprehension
• Developing confidence and fluency in lectures and tutorials
• Strategies for clearer communication

For more information, see the course flyer for NESB Lecturers

Course start dates for 2009
11 Feb - 15 Apr	10.00 am - 12.00 pm
6 May - 8 Jul	11.00 am - 1.00 pm
22 Jul - 23 Sept	12.00 pm - 2.00 pm
14 Oct - 16 Dec	2.00 pm - 4.00 pm

Group classes are held on the main UNSW campus. Currently classes are held on Tuesdays from 12.00 pm noon until 2.00 pm and on Wednesdays from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Please enquire about the current course focus and exact teaching location.

The current Senior/Specialist Teacher is Ann-Charlotte Stent. Ann-Charlotte has been with the UNSW Institute of Languages since 2002 and has taught across a range of programs, mainly focusing on English for Academic Purposes. Prior to teaching, she worked in the corporate sector and has had extensive experience in business communication skills. Ann-Charlotte has worked and lived in four countries – Sweden, France, England and now Australia.

• Access to the Library Support Unit at the UNSW Institute of Languages.
• Advice and referral to other training programs at UNSW and the Institute

If your Faculty, School or Department would like a specially designed program to assist staff with English in the workplace, please:

• Identify the specific staff training needs you have (e.g. report writing or telephone skills)
• Contact the Senior/Specialist Teacher of the Workplace English Program on wep@unsw.edu.au, Telephone: 61 2 9385 4214 to discuss the design and delivery of your course.

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