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Special Projects |
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Pilgrims International Training & Development |
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Project 810
This project demonstrates Pilgrims' ability to train senior
government officials in the skills required for negotiating
entry into the European Union.
European Union Integration Training for Czech
Government Ministry Officials.
Introduction
At the beginning of the 1990s the Czech Republic anticipated
the need for key ministry officials to further develop
English language and negotiation skills. These skills
would be required to negotiate the Czech Republic's planned
entry into the European Union (EU) and thereafter, to
operate as an effective EU partner.
The Czech Government received funding for the training
project from 'Phare' (an EU funded initiative which is
the largest grant assistance programme in support of central
and eastern European countries) and EKMO (English for
Key Ministry Officials, funded by the British Know-How
Fund). The Czech Government commissioned the project through
the British Council in Prague. The project began in June
1994 and is ongoing. Participants include Deputy Ministers,
Deputy Directors, Specialist Policy Advisors, Advisors
to Ministers and Training Managers from the Ministries
of Finance, Industry & Trade, Labour & Social
Affairs, and Economy.
Brief
Pilgrims was commissioned by the British Council in Prague
to run a series of 2-week intensive Communication and
Negotiation skills courses for key Czech civil servants.
The courses took place at the Pilgrims Executive Training
Centre in Canterbury, England. More than 20 civil servants
have so far attended the course.
Execution
Pilgrims manage, design and deliver the courses that enable
key officials to practise and improve their English communication
skills for meetings, negotiations, telephoning, presentations
and socialising. During their visit, key officials will
gain an insight into British and European political, economic
and cultural life.
General Communication Skills
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Structuring and writing
faxes, e-mails, letters and reports |
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Using the telephone |
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Face-to-face interviewing
and making presentations |
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Vocabulary extension
and practising pronunciation |
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Understanding the relationship
between intonation and meaning |
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Reading and understanding
relevant technical and business English |
Negotiation and Presentation Skills
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Greetings and opening
meetings |
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Introductions describing
roles, responsibilities and department/Ministry
structures |
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Formulae for chairing
meetings |
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Describing systems and
processes |
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Presenting facts and
figures effectively |
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Asking for and expressing
opinions |
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Question formation,
inquiring about and discussing problems |
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Principles of effective
negotiation |
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Creating rapport |
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Bargaining |
These courses were held in Pilgrims Executive Training
Centre where participants mixed with senior management
from across the world, facilitating cross-cultural awareness
and social skills for international business and negotiation
situations.
Pilgrims employs 200 teachers and trainers and selected
the following staff to deliver the courses, based on their
expertise and experience. Kara McKeown
has a Masters degree in Teaching English as a Foreign
Language and has 10 years experience teaching Business
English and Negotiation Skills in Europe. Fraser
Thompson worked for three years at the multinational
company, ABB Domel, as a facilitator working with senior
management.
Feedback
More than 20 senior ministry officials have been trained.
"I very much appreciated the professional approach
of all the Pilgrims staff, both the teachers and administrative
people. The Pilgrims methodology I found to be highly
original, intensive and unique. On my return I realised
also how highly practical it was. I was very lucky to
have an excellent host family; I felt very comfortable
there and my colleagues said the same of their families."
Iva Tatarova, Ministry of Industry and Trade
"I and my colleagues have been very pleased with
the training received. We appreciated Pilgrims system;
it is more like a management school where we learnt skills
such as negotiating and meetings. It is very suitable
for people in high positions. I will recommend your school
everywhere." Anna Tesarova, Ministry of Finance.
"On behalf of the Ministry of Labour let me express
deep thanks to your staff at Pilgrims for both tuition
and evening programmes held for our participants."
Miluse Tvrzska, Director Personnel Department, Ministry
of Labour and Social Affairs. |
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