goFLUENT, a provider of distance English training, has been named among the shortlisted entries in two categories of the 2012 Learning Awards, which are due to be presented at The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London, on 2^nd February 2012. Along with its client – the pharmaceutical giant – Eli Lilly, goFLUENT has been shortlisted in Training Department of the Year and Staff Development Programme of the Year categories in the 2012 Learning Awards. The Awards are presented by The Learning and Performance Institute (formerly the Institute of IT Training), which announced a record number of entries for these Awards – some 50% up on the number of entries for last year’s Awards.

Eli Lilly – based in Indianapolis, Indiana, in the USA, and the world’s tenth largest pharmaceutical company – needed to find a single provider whose training materials could be implemented in several countries while ensuring a measurable return on investment (ROI) in those training materials. The company chose goFLUENT’s distance learning English materials and, currently, over 700 learners in 20 countries have access to these products and services.

According to Christophe Ferrandou, CEO of goFLUENT, the need for distance learning has grown in recent years as companies which operate globally have adopted the policy of using English to communicate both internally and with their customers, anywhere in the world.

Those using goFLUENT’s distance learning materials receive consistent written feedback, as well as individual coaching, to enable them to develop linguistic confidence and correct grammar. Additionally, learners have access to e-learning resources from AFP, the New York Times, and Harvard Business Review.

Comment: It’s rare for language learning programmes to make it to an awards’ shortlist in this country, since language learning tends not to be seen as a priority in Britain. What’s interesting about this announcement is that although the programmes are about learning English (and quite right too!), the company that’s developed the programmes is based in Switzerland, is backed by a Japanese telecom company and has offices around the world – except in Britain.