Why NTS invests in language training

The role of Dutch in daily life

“Pushing the boundaries of what is possible.” That is the motto of NTS, a specialist in mechatronics. NTS supplies systems and modules for high-tech machine manufacturers. The employees come from all corners of the world, which means that linguistic boundaries are also being pushed. NTS is a 'global company'. English is the main language, but Dutch is also widely spoken at the Dutch branches. Not only at the coffee machine, but also on the workfloor. This can be difficult for international employees who do not speak the language. 

As a good employer, NTS wanted to do something about this. According to a spokesperson: “We think it is important that our people are happy, feel connected and make optimal use of their talents. We encourage all of this through Dutch language training, so we have taken the initiative to work on this in a targeted manner.”

Language training

STE Languages was called in to help improve employees’ language skills over a short period of time. For two months, students received two hours of language training weekly, supplemented by homework assignments. NTS: “There was great enthusiasm, there was a clear need for it. Two groups were put together for the in-company training based on individual language levels. Employees with a language level that did not match one of the groups received lessons on location at STE. All participants followed language training that matched their skills.”

Practicalities

STE’s language training is never a standard programme, but always tailor-made. NTS: “The clear reason for training was that work instructions were not sufficiently understood. So specific attention was paid to that. At the same time, it was also about strengthening basic skills and that is always useful, even outside work.”

After the training, a survey was distributed among the students. “There were only positive reactions,” said the spokesperson. “Several participants asked us the question: will there be a continuation? NTS is an agile organization, so a follow-up is now in planning. The approach remains the same: Dutch language training is available to anyone who wants it, regardless of their position within the organisation. We want to anchor this as a permanent part of what NTS has to offer as an employer.”

Participants’ experiences

The survey therefore gives a positive picture, and this is confirmed by what the participants themselves say. For example, one of the students indicated that language training contributes to integration into Dutch society: “NTS is an international company, but in my daily work I’m the only one who doesn’t speak Dutch. I think it is important to learn the language as quickly as possible. Not only for my work, but also out of respect for the country where I now live. Dutch culture starts with the Dutch language.”

This view is no exception, as shown by the experience of another student: “Our teacher taught us a lot. Not only about the language, but also about local culture and history. She also talked about differences in dialect, and I found that very interesting. I have discovered that people from Brabant mainly speak with a soft r, but that I actually understand the hard r from the Randstad much better. That was an eye-opener.”

“Dinglish”

The participants’ enthusiasm was unparalleled, the opposite to a home study where you have to learn the language in your spare time without support from colleagues. That doesn't mean it's all easy. That is not the case. Dutch is a difficult language for many people to learn. Reading and listening is often easier than speaking freely. Yet daring to speak up is valuable, as one of the students emphasized: “People appreciate the effort you make. At the same time, it often becomes ‘Dinglish’, a combination of Dutch and English. If I don't know a Dutch word, I automatically switch to English. So, there is still a challenge.”

Favorite words and expressions

Anyone who learns a foreign language is introduced to a wide variety of words. Many students quickly develop a favorite Dutch word. For example, “gezellig” is always popular among language students. The expression “helaas pindakaas” is also popular among NTS internationals. There is also a student who, since the language training, has enthusiastically participated in the regular joke that he and his colleagues make every Monday morning: "It's almost the weekend again!"

Keep learning

The big question after language training is always: what next? The students indicate that they would like to continue developing themselves. As one of them aptly puts it: “The better my Dutch becomes, the easier everything else becomes. That is why I would like to take another course. Furthermore, I listen carefully to what my Dutch colleagues in the office say; that is actually free language training!”