Atos Origin’s strategic objective, in order to ensure our competitive position in the market, is to become a more integrated company that is able to act globally and better serve the needs of our international customers. A huge part of achieving this is our collective capacity to work in English. Atos University has signed an agreement with a leading provider of English language learning, Englishtown, to offer comprehensive online learning opportunities for those who would like to improve their English language ability.

The ability for everyone who operates across the Atos Origin world to speak the same language is crucial. That language is English and we hope that those of you who feel you would like to enhance your language skills will take advantage of this opportunity.

What level of English Language is Atos Origin striving for?
To understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible without strain on either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Who should be selected for an assessment for this English Language learning opportunity?
Whilst English is important at all levels of our organization, there are specific job functions and levels for which English capability is a necessity. These include, but are not limited to, managers and key functions that operate on a global scale, such as project managers, sales employees, consultants and management support. If you are in one of these positions you will probably receive an invitation to take an assessment. If you would like to improve your English, and have not received an invitation for an assessment, simply contact your line manager or local Training & Development Manager.

English Language Assessment
Once registered for an assessment, you will be provided with a link to Englishtown’s site. The English Language assessment takes approximately 40 minutes to complete and includes grammar, listening and reading. The system reacts to each answer and uses a unique questioning method that pinpoints the employee’s language abilities. The test automatically adjusts the difficulty of the questions dependent upon each answer given.
Based on the results from the assessments the relevant line manager together with the employee would determine what training needs would, if necessary, be required.

What services/licenses are available through Englishtown?
For a 12 month period from activation of the license:

Basic Service (Atos Origin recommended choice) –
– The Teacher- led Solution comprises:

• 15 minute orientation video in one of 15 languages;
• 40 minute monthly face-to-face or on-line kick-off session presenting the school;
• initial placement test which recommends the appropriate course level to the employee;
• headset and user guide for the solution;
• access to 15 different levels of English training containing general, business and industry specific English courses. Each of the 15 levels contains 60 hours of self-study material and each level is divided into 8 units;
• 2000 hours of interactive grammar, listening, reading, speaking, pronunciation and writing exercises;
• employee can talk to their teacher every hour of every day by joining a conversation class led by the supplier’s teacher with other persons of the same language level (average 6-7 participants in each group);
• unlimited access to teacher-led writing where the employee submits their writing to a teacher and receives graded feedback in English within a matter of hours (24h to 48h);
• Comprehensive reporting system provides detailed information on how employees are progressing;
• upon completion of a level, the employee will receive a certificate certified by Suffolk University or Hult Business School based in Boston.

On top of this service, Englishtown can also provide the following services for people with special requirements:

Premium Service - coaching service
Private -Teacher Solution

For more detailed information about this program please contact your local Training & Development Manager .