The Future of Education
Workplace-Oriented German Training for Engineers: A Needs-Based Practice Report from a Multinational Company
Irini Zourlantoni, german language teacher in "statiks ike" – structural engineering & reinforced concrete design (Greece)
Abstract
This presentation reports on the design and implementation of a workplace-oriented German language training program for Greek engineers at a multinational company. Its primary aim was to enhance participants’ professional communication skills in German and prepare them for the linguistic demands of technical interactions in an international environment.
A systematic needs analysis showed that general language courses fall short for technical meetings, written reports, presentations, and informal workplace exchanges. Key challenges encompassed terminological precision, clear technical explanations, discussion participation, and intercultural communication styles.
The resulting program integrated authentic company materials, task-based learning, and simulated workplace scenarios. It featured targeted vocabulary expansion, discourse-specific structures, oral production training, guided writing practice, and digital tools for vocabulary retention and interactive speaking.
The presentation details the methodological principles—needs-based curriculum design, authentic task simulation, and continuous formative feedback—alongside observable progress in listening comprehension, technical writing, oral presentations, and interactive problem-solving communication.
Ultimately, it argues for shifting workplace language training beyond general instruction toward systematic integration of professional discourse practices. This model provides a transferable, practice-based framework for domain-specific language development in other professional contexts.
Keywords: workplace language training, technical German, needs analysis, adult education, professional communication, task-based learning
