Amazon boosts language programs for workers

Amazon is looking to help workers advance in their careers by focusing on language.

The company is expanding its slate of language programs globally under its Career Choice program, offering English-language classes in the 13 non-U.S. countries the program operates, as well as local language classes in some countries.

The new program will include English-language classes in all countries, and local languages in Canada (French Canadian), France (French), Germany (German), Italy (Italian), Poland (Polish), and Spain (Spanish).

“Employees with multilingual skills are a vital resource in helping the business succeed and grow in global markets,” says Stefano Perego, vice president of customer fulfillment for worldwide operations at Amazon, who claims that being able to speak in Italian and later learn English helped him advance his career with the employer.

“The ability to communicate with colleagues around the world and connect with different types of people has provided me countless opportunities and helped shape my career.”

Being bilingual doesn’t just look good on workers’ CVs – it develops other skills that employers find attractive in potential hires, according to the European Commission.

Professional training and development at work also plays a crucial part in addressing workers’ mental health troubles, said Dan Terner, co-founder and COO at GrowthSpace.

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