Mitrais has launched the fourth year of its English Language Training Program (ELTP) which is designed to enable its staff to communicate professionally in English.
Last year more than 320 participants completed what is believed to be the only such course for software engineers and other technical staff providing outsourced development services to Australian companies.
Vice president of software development, Mike Page, said “we launched ELTP because we recognized that if software engineers did not have a good command of English it would jeopardize outsourced software development projects.
“I have spoken with many companies, including our clients, who have encountered language challenges with outsourcers in other countries. Too often communications difficulties have brought these relationships undone.”
Mitrais’ competency systems development advisor Ms Jaci Thompson said the only similar English language courses of which she is aware are for call centre operators in countries providing such services into Australia.
Ms Thompson, who manages the training program and a teaching staff of five, says “we recruit technically savvy graduates, many from one of Indonesia’s specialist IT universities and develop their English skills so they can communicate professionally in English.”
After successfully completing ELTP Basic, which focuses on the technical side of the English language, staff can attend classes specifically designed to improve their business writing, interactive communication skills and presentation skills, all while taking their English to the next level.
As part of continuous improvement to increase staff proficiency in English, Ms Thompson said a new course, Interactive Communication which began late last year, even pays particular attention to the Australian accent, nuances and the speed at which Australians speak.
Mitrais has also developed a Body of Knowledge for all staff which covers business writing, presentation and interpersonal skills. Since late last year some 90 staff have completed courses in business writing and interactive communications.
ELTP courses are conducted in Mitrais headquarters in Kuta, at its new offices in nearby Sanur and in Jakarta.