More Qataris are taking an interest in Business English training at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), according to Dr. Mariam Habib, manager of the organization's English Language Department.
Speaking at the English Course Graduation Ceremony held today at the Hajar Auditorium, HMC Education Center, Dr. Habib said that by October, English language training offered by the corporation to its staff will be placing a lot of emphasis on English for business and technology.
"This is the new trend both locally and internationally, and is demanded in most corporate positions now," Habib stressed. "We plan to provide the training to more Qataris in different posts across the organization."
At present, about 25% of Qatari nationals working for HMC are participating in various English programs.
"40 Qatari candidates have been newly appointed to different positions at HMC through the Qatarization program, and we are proud to say that we have given them 180 hours of elementary English language training over a four-month period," Dr. Habib added. "The training they have done through this program will also enable them to take a Cambridge English language test."
"All our programs are benchmarked against the University of Cambridge's Test of English for Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) standards, which means the certificates obtained by graduates of our English program are recognized internationally," Habib continued.
Dr. Habib observed that Qataris working in different places across the corporation who struggle to communicate effectively in English, have recognized the need to improve their English skills for their personal and professional advancement. "I am very happy to say that these candidates are taking an active part in their own education and continue learning whether they are newly appointed or have been on the job for some time."
HMC's English Language Department began offering customized English language courses to both clinical and non-clinical staff in 2005, with training given according to the individual language level, needs and relevant departments' expectations.
The English courses are conducted in collaboration with the British Council, the College of the North Atlantic-Qatar and Stenden Institute. There are also plans to collaborate soon with two prestigious international language training centers, Education First and Faj International.
"Currently our programs are seen as challenging and time-consuming. However, many of those who have completed the programs have realized the value of the certificates, and have become independent learners, taking responsibility for their personal development."
English is the main medium of communication at HMC, and as Qatar's healthcare sector caters to an increasingly multicultural population, greater emphasis is being placed on English language skills whether in medical, administrative or executive positions.
"Quite a number of the present 140 graduates have done Business English, and appreciate its value as it helps them to do seminars, presentations, correspondence, and to generally be able to effectively communicate with their peers. Some of them would like to continue on their own, and we are happy to provide them with this stepping-stone for their personal and professional growth," Habib concluded.
