The online education market is predicted to surge past a total revenue of $221.71 billion in 2026, according to recent Statista data. Right alongside online university programmes, learning and development (L&D) opportunities like language training platforms make up a large portion of that figure. And with so many options to choose from, finding the right solution for your corporate language training goals isn’t always straightforward.
From fully self-paced platforms to live instructor-led courses, different solutions feature different models. That’s not to mention the arrival of AI-enabled systems, which bring a personalised approach to language learning. When selecting the wrong provider means wasted budget, low engagement and minimal impact on your company communication, there’s a high degree of risk.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to look for when selecting a language training provider, offering a step-by-step guide you can use to find the perfect solution for your business.
Finding the right language training provider can be a make-or-break decision for the success of your language L&D programme. Especially with how critical communication is to the workplace – with 86% of workplace failures stemming from a breakdown in communication – the right partner could be the difference between a highly productive workforce and one that falls behind.
With a wide selection of potential options on the market, you need a solution that meets all your needs. Here are the top criteria to look for in a strong language training provider.
Selecting the right provider means finding a service that offers something aligned with your business goals. Without actively defining those objectives and building out what success would look like for the programme, it may feel directionless.
Before selecting a provider, internally discuss
It’s often fairly easy to get employee buy-in to these programmes, as 74% of employees state that they need to learn new skills to stay competitive. By organising and delivering these programmes, you’ll be able to upskill your workplace while improving employee engagement.
One of the most important qualities of a language training programme is flexibility. Instead of needing an in-person teacher, a digital platform can connect your employees to high-quality corporate language training absolutely anywhere.
Additionally, look for features that make learning as accessible as possible. Mobile access or offline learning, for example, will let employees get in a few minutes of training on the go, no matter where they are. Every minute counts here, especially when training with content that’s personalised directly to their goals.
Finally, an excellent language training platform will integrate into your existing Learning Management System (LMS) or Learning Experience Platform (LXP). Being able to track your employees and monitor progress will go a long way towards improving completion rates.
The partner you select needs to have security and compliance as a priority. Learning platforms generate a vast amount of data, and your business needs to ensure that that information is properly handled in line with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Where possible, look for platforms with comprehensive data protection agreements.
After defining your main criteria for success, you’re ready to evaluate all available options. Using a structured evaluation process will help you find an evidence-based solution with a history of satisfied clients.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you dive into the specifics of each potential choice and select the right one for your business.
Start by translating your objectives into measurable KPIs. With a clear, data-backed focus, you’ll be able to prove how a programme contributes to business performance. From there, you can begin to outline an ideal pilot plan.
Define the following aspects of your strategy:
Once you have a full idea of what your programme would ideally look like, it’s time to find a partner that will provide the material and learning structure to get started with.
Narrow down your options using a set of non-negotiables, like core platform capabilities, the company’s reputation, whether they have previous client testimonies, and whether they deliver L&D experiences in a format your employees want.
Look for businesses that meet every single one of your needs. The best platforms will have years of experience, expert teachers and a flexible delivery system.
Reach out to your shortlisted vendors with a set of questions about delivery formats, LMS reporting and support. Try to get a sense of how the provider works, what options are available and whether their offerings match your target business outcomes.
At this stage, you can either run two pilot programmes with different providers or focus on one provider. Depending on your budget, you’ll be able to run a pilot programme with your chosen user groups.
Employee feedback is key here. Getting the perspectives of those actually using the corporate language learning course can help refine your programme for the real launch. Use an integrated learning system to measure data like course completion and engagement. If available, convert the programme results into a business ROI – which you can take to stakeholders to prove the efficacy of your trial.
After selecting the provider that best meets your criteria and had the most successful results in the pilot programme, it’s time to roll out a full-scale programme. Especially considering that 90% of employees say workplace learning is useful, democratising access to all employees that can benefit from improving their language skills will go a long way.
Over time, as you consistently deliver positive results alongside your selected language training provider, you’ll be able to scale the course delivery and gain more internal support for future L&D opportunities.
With a range of options on the market, your business shouldn’t have to compromise on its language learning programme goals. The right programme will help strengthen communication and accelerate employee development, while being delivered via a format that works for you.
Using the structured approach we outlined over the course of this article lets you find the best possible solution for your business. Following each step closely will lead you towards a long-term solution that you can select with confidence.
For organisations ready to hit the ground running, Busuu offers a globally renowned corporate language learning system that is scalable and results-driven. With over 600 partner companies already using the Busuu for Business platform and taking advantage of our blend of self-paced learning, AI-powered modules and Live Lessons with qualified coaches, Busuu is the go-to choice for practical language learning.
Discover how Busuu can support your team and meet your business exactly where it wants to be. Together, we can turn language learning into a competitive advantage for your business.