If you're using Google Translate to get through appointments with a participant, a job interview in English can feel a long way off. But there is something useful they can work towards now: being able to have more of their next appointment in English.

Independent practice gives them a way to start while they wait for an ESOL class. They can try speaking, make mistakes and get more comfortable using the English they already have. Even a small improvement can make it easier to explain something to you or answer a follow-up question.

That can change how much you get done together, well before they're ready to speak to an employer.

More English, more useful appointments

We've seen this through our work with Employment Links in Rochdale, where participants used Lingly, our AI app for learning English, to practise outside their adviser appointments.

Ryan Clayton, from the Employment Links team, told us about a participant whose adviser had previously needed Google Translate during their meetings. After several weeks of practice, they could have those conversations in English. The participant still spoke slowly and made mistakes, but their adviser could get more done with them.

Ryan explained why that mattered through the example of childcare. Finding out whether someone has children is straightforward. Working out which hours they could work takes more conversation. There might be a breakfast club at school, or an arrangement they need to ask someone about before their next appointment.

In Ryan's experience, going back and forth through translation made those conversations much harder. As participants became able to discuss more in English, advisers could explore the answers with them and agree what to do next.

English practice could therefore help with the other barriers to finding work. Someone might still need support with childcare or their CV, but be better able to take part in the conversation about it.

Help them practise between appointments

For someone who rarely gets the chance to speak English, independent practice creates more opportunities to try. They can repeat a conversation and work on an answer without having to wait for their next class or appointment.

Helping them start in person can make that practice easier to continue at home. In Rochdale, advisers brought participants into the office to use Lingly. Ryan reported that this helped people use it more and make better use of the exercises.

It also gave the team a chance to see where someone needed help. They might understand the English but struggle to navigate the app. Once they knew how to use it, they needed space to attempt the answers themselves.

The practice can then feed into your next appointment. A participant might explain something they previously needed to translate, or feel confident enough to ask you a question directly. Those are useful changes to notice, even while they're still some way from an interview.

Offer English support now

A participant waiting for ESOL can begin working on these conversations today. Whatever stage they're at in their search for work, there is value in giving them more chances to speak English and helping them build the confidence to use it with you.

At Lingly, we're building a platform to make that practice available between appointments. Participants practise English on their phones, with learning tailored to their level and job goals, feedback on their answers and explanations in their first language. Advisers can follow their progress through the dashboard and help them keep going.

If you want to offer English support your participants can start now, get in touch to discuss Lingly for your programme.