STUDENTS at Ilkley Grammar School have been taking part in a 'Languages at Work'

initiative to learn more about how useful

foreign language skills are in industry.

Around 50 pupils took part in the conference organised by language department teachers Claire Owens and Sue Robins.

Members of the local community who use language skills in their everyday business activities came to the school to show the pupils the benefits of being able to speak a

foreign language.

The conference came about to stress how the study of foreign language was vital to business and to make students aware of the job opportunities to multi-lingual people.

A foreign language can be useful in all walks of life and in many professions ranging from medical staff to lorry drivers.

Language skills are valued highly by employers and universities alike and some companies pay a bonus to employees with language skills.

Students taking part in the conference said they found it useful and informative and some said it gave them the impetus to take their language studies further.

The school's foreign language department is still on the look-out for more contacts with people who use their language skills at work to help with work experience placements. For further details contact Mrs Robins at Ilkley Grammar School on 01943 608424.

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