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If you still have training budget left at the end of the year, you can use it for language training that you approve now and schedule calmly afterwards. At Language Partners, if you approve a training in 2026, we also invoice it in 2026, at the current rate. The training itself can be planned in the weeks before and after the holidays, or early next year.
Why this matters now? In the autumn it often turns out that not all of the training budget has been used. A planned course was cancelled, a team was too busy, or a request was left on the shelf. At many organisations, whatever is left expires on 31 December.
What happens to training budget you don’t spend?
It depends on the organisation. Sometimes it carries over to next year, often it expires, and sometimes low spending is seen as a reason to cut next year’s budget. Check with your finance department. The answer tells you how much of a hurry you’re in.
Why is language training a good use of remaining budget?
Because it’s concrete and pays off quickly. An employee who takes on an international client, role or project in January notices the difference in the first weeks of the year. The last weeks of the year also tend to be quieter: projects wrap up and meetings drop off. That is exactly the room people need to really practise a language.
A short, intensive training fits that better than a long programme. You spend the budget on a clearly defined group of people, with a clear goal, and you see the result in the first quarter.
How do you use remaining budget without a rushed decision?
- Know what’s left and until when. Check the amount and the deadline with finance.
- Choose the people for whom language costs the most right now. Think of those who handle client calls, negotiations or meetings in another language. The free Business English Team Scan helps you see where it hurts in a few minutes.
- Choose a short format. An intensive training of a few weeks suits remaining budget better than a year-long programme.
- Approve it before the turn of the year. Then the invoice can still be issued this year, and the current rate applies.
- Plan the training afterwards. The approval and the training don’t need to happen in the same week.
What is the Winter Crash Course?
The Winter Crash Course is a short, intensive language training of 15 hours per employee: 10 hours one-on-one with a certified trainer via Teams, and 5 hours of e-learning at their own pace. It is available in English, German and Dutch, and is meant for employees who already have the basics and want to use the language more fluently and with more confidence.
The investment is €1,399 per employee. If you approve the training in 2026, we also invoice it in 2026 and this rate applies. Our prices change in January.
Give your team a strong start to 2027
15 hours of one-on-one language training per employee, in English, German or Dutch. Approved this year, invoiced this year.
And if you have no budget left?
Then now is the time to get language training into next year’s plan. How to make the case so it survives the budget round is explained in language training in your 2027 training plan.
Frequently asked questions about training budget at the end of the year
Can I use 2026 budget for training that runs in 2027?
At Language Partners you can. If you approve the training in 2026, we invoice it in 2026, even if the training itself takes place in the weeks after. Whether your organisation may book it that way is something to check with your finance department.
What does the Winter Crash Course cost?
€1,399 per employee for 15 hours of training: 10 hours one-on-one with a trainer and 5 hours of e-learning. This rate applies to approvals in 2026. Language Partners’ prices change in January.
When do I need to approve it?
Before the end of the year, if you want to use your 2026 budget and lock in the current rate. After an introductory call, Language Partners usually has a proposal ready within two working days.
Who is a short, intensive language training suitable for?
For employees who already have the basics and want to use the language more fluently and with more confidence, for example for a new international role, client or project. For beginners, a longer programme is usually more suitable.
Want to know what your budget can do?
Tell us who it’s for, which language and when. You’ll usually receive a proposal within two working days.
Previous blog: Language training in your 2027 training plan: how to justify the budget.
