The Business Language Champions (BLC) programme is co-ordinated by the Regional Language Network and is designed to increase uptake of languages in schools. Students at Lyndon School in Solihull learnt the true value of language skills recently when they were visited by Roevin. Liz Athey, Operations Manager visited the school to speak to students about the importance of language skills in the workplace.

Through interactive presentations, Liz spoke to Year 9 students about the advantages languages bring in the jobs market, the variety of interpreting and translation careers available and the potential salaries of qualified linguists. Students also took part in team quizzes where they had to recognise languages from short paragraphs and guess the most commonly spoken languages worldwide.

The event was well received and enjoyed by all, as Giuseppa Mirisola-Haines, Spanish and French teacher at Lyndon School, said:

“I am very grateful to Liz for taking the time to speak with our students. The presentation and quizzes really got our students involved and they were particularly interested to learn about the variety of roles which demand languages and the salaries they could potentially earn if they continue with their studies.”