Research Publications
The following research publications are available to download either from our website or from CILT, the National Centre for Languages. They provide an insight into the demand for language skills in the West Midlands, the provision for such skills and other labour market research data.
An assessment of employer demand for foreign language and cross-cultural skills in West Midlands businesses
This report was carried out by the RLN West Midlands, together with Coventry University in 2006. 517 companies, mainly from the key sectors of Food & Drink and Tourism & Leisure, were asked about the contact they have with people from other countries, whether they use foreign language skills and how adequately they feel they can communicate in these languages. The study found that the majority of organisations surveyed take a complacent attitude towards the use of foreign language skills and even more so towards the importance of cross-cultural sensitivity in their business.
Download the full report (pdf 284KB) 
Download the executive summary (pdf 112 KB)
West Midlands Language Skills Capacity Audit
This report was carried out in two areas – a survey of demand for language skills and services in the region and a survey for the provision of such skills and services. The results of these two surveys were also mapped against changes in employer attitudes to language skills over time against national trends. The report aimed to benchmark the West Midlands’ position on language skills against other regions, identify the actions needed to help enterprises and agencies in the region to reach their full potential and pinpoint examples of good practice which would be used to develop strategies to help others. A summary or full version of the report can be downloaded by clicking on the links below:
Download the full report (pdf 889 KB)
Download the executive summary (pdf 301 KB)
Copies of other regional audits are available to download from CILT, the National Centre for Languages
Labour market research
Labour market research provides data for business and employment. This data helps to ensure that supply in education meets demand in the business world; and that skills gaps are closed. Labour market data informs strategy and policy on the national and on the regional level. Key sources of data such as employer and employee surveys, international research, employability studies and commercial surveys can be found by visiting CILT, the National Centre for Languages
Visit the CILT website for more labour market research
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