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By Mel Jackson, National Account Manager, NOCN Group

As global skills shortages continue to challenge economies, English language skills are becoming increasingly important for employment, career progression and workforce mobility. For awarding organisations, ESOL qualifications offer an opportunity not only to certify language competence but also to support workforce readiness and economic development across international markets.

ESOL supporting workforce mobility

Countries are seeking education and training that aligns more closely with employment opportunities, employer needs and national economic priorities. Qualifications are expected to do more than demonstrate knowledge; they must help learners develop practical skills, access work and progress within sectors facing skills shortages.

While demand remains strong for areas such as green skills, construction and digital skills, English language continues to play a vital role. ESOL supports access to employment, further study, migration pathways and international career opportunities, making it a key enabler of workforce participation and mobility.

Providers require flexible qualifications that can be delivered in different ways, respond to local labour market needs and support both new entrants and those looking to upskill or reskill. As a result, ESOL qualifications that can be integrated into wider learner journeys are becoming more valuable than ever.

Opportunities across Europe

Europe remains an important market, where skills development is closely linked to labour mobility, economic transition, lifelong learning and sustainability goals. Vocational education and training are widely recognised as practical solutions for addressing skills shortages and supporting employment.

NOCN Group has already established a strong partnership in Greece, demonstrating the value of trusted, quality-assured ESOL qualifications. Across the region, providers and employers are looking for qualifications that are practical, respected and clearly linked to learner progression and employment outcomes.

Alongside ESOL, sectors such as tourism, construction, infrastructure and energy efficiency continue to present opportunities for skills development. English language qualifications complement vocational training in these areas, helping learners access wider employment and progression opportunities.

Emerging global markets

Significant opportunities are also emerging across North Africa and the Indian Ocean region, where countries are investing in infrastructure, workforce capability and economic growth.

NOCN Group’s work in Morocco and Mauritius highlights the close relationship between education, skills and economic development. In Morocco, qualifications support construction and the built environment, helping address workforce demand linked to infrastructure growth. In Mauritius, programmes focus on tourism, hospitality, customer service, employability and the green economy.

ESOL sits naturally alongside these priorities. Strong English language skills can help learners access employment, progress to further study, pursue international career opportunities and move into higher-level training. Creating pathways that combine ESOL, employability and vocational skills enables learners to gain the broader capabilities needed to succeed in modern workplaces.

The value of partnership

NOCN Group’s international approach is built on trusted qualifications, sector expertise and strong partnerships. International providers are looking for qualifications that are relevant to local contexts while delivering clear employment and progression outcomes. That is where we add value.

Success depends on understanding market needs and supporting partners with quality assurance, responsive account management and qualifications that help build sustainable skills development. By combining ESOL with construction, health and social care, employability and wider vocational qualifications, we can create meaningful learner pathways that support long-term success.

Looking ahead

Over the next 6 to 12 months, the greatest opportunities lie in markets where national skills priorities align with NOCN Group’s strengths, particularly ESOL, construction, green skills, employability and vocational education. Europe, North Africa and selected island economies remain key areas of focus, where skills development is closely connected to economic growth.

By building strong partnerships, supporting quality delivery and creating integrated pathways that combine English language and vocational learning, we can continue to help learners improve employment prospects while supporting providers, employers and local economies. ESOL will remain central to this approach, helping learners develop the language skills and confidence needed to participate in an increasingly global workforce.