Business English for subcontractors in the transition of the steel industry

This course provides practical business English tailored for SMEs in the steel industry value chain - from presenting your company to international clients to handling customer calls and navigating an English-speaking workplace

The steel industry in Norrbotten is transforming. English is increasingly becoming part of everyday business activities as the green industrial transition gains momentum. Key documents and technical specifications are now in English, and communication with international partners is becoming routine.

This course provides practical Business English tailored for SMEs in the steel value chain - from presenting your company to international clients to handling customer calls and navigating an English-speaking workplace.

The course is self-paced and delivered online through a digital platform. Study at your convenience, revisit sections as needed, and apply what you learn directly to your job.

Structure

The course is delivered digitally and is designed to be work-integrated, allowing you to study during low-intensity work periods or appropriate breaks without extended absences.

Course components:

• Short video lessons with clear explanations and examples
• Interactive exercises to practice vocabulary, phrases, and workplace scenarios
• Quizzes at the end of each section to check your understanding before moving on
• Vocabulary lists, phrase guides, and templates for workplace use
  

Pedagogical approach:
Each module includes video instructions, written materials and practical tasks. You study at your own pace and can repeat sections if necessary. The course ends with a reflection task, and participants receive a certificate upon completion.

Course content

Module 1: English in the Steel Industry Workplace
Introduction to workplace English in the steel industry. Typical scenarios: basic communication and understanding instructions.

Module 2: English for Business Communication
Presenting your company to international clients. Handling customer queries by phone and email. Participating in virtual meetings. Writing professional correspondence.

Module 3: Technical and Safety English
Industry-specific terminology for operations, logistics and maintenance. Safety communication protocols. Reading and understanding technical documentation and specifications.

Module 4: English for Intercultural Communication in the Workplace
Working effectively in mixed-language teams. Professional networking and meeting protocols. Onboarding and collaborating with English-speaking colleagues.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, participants will have relevant and practical Business English skills directly applicable to the steel industry context. They will be able to:

• Deliver company presentations to international clients or business associates in English
• Respond appropriately to customer queries by phone or via email using professional English
• Correctly use industry-specific terminology for steel production, logistics and maintenance
• Read and comprehend technical documents and safety instructions in English
• Actively participate in meetings conducted in English, including making inquiries and giving input
• Communicate effectively with English-speaking colleagues in a mixed-language workplace

To receive a certificate, participants must complete all the modules and the final reflection task.

Course development

The course is developed by the municipality of Boden within the RUFFS project, with content and pedagogical structure quality assured by specialists in English language education.

Course leader: Christine Mawia Musembi, Municipality of Boden