Your organisation is growing internationally. New colleagues from abroad start full of motivation, but quickly run into an unexpected barrier: the language. Not just at work, but also in informal conversations at the coffee machine, in the hallways and during meetings that drift into Dutch. Language is the silent factor that determines how quickly someone truly becomes part of the team.
As an HR or L&D professional, you can make the difference. An NT2 course, Dutch as a Second Language, helps international employees not just learn the language, but also communicate effectively in a Dutch working environment. But how do you arrange that as an organisation? What are the options, how does the process work and what does it deliver?
When is NT2 training worthwhile?
NT2 training is relevant as soon as your organisation has employees for whom Dutch is not their native language and who work in a Dutch environment daily. That sounds obvious, but in practice many organisations wait too long. Employees manage with English, but miss the nuance, the informal communication and the feeling of truly belonging to the team.
Do any of these situations sound familiar? A new international colleague starts enthusiastically but disengages after a few months because integration is proving difficult. Meetings are held in English by default, but as soon as two Dutch colleagues sit next to each other, it switches to Dutch. Or an employee performs excellently in terms of content, but misses out on opportunities because Dutch communication is a struggle.
These are all signals that NT2 training is a concrete investment that pays for itself.
What are the options?
Language Partners offers NT2 training in two forms that can also complement each other.
Group training: Fully tailored to the sector, daily work situation and language level of your employees. The training can take place in-company, the trainer comes to your office, or online. Suitable for groups from two participants.
Individual training: Maximum attention for one employee. The employee works on exactly the skills they want to develop. This training can also take place at your office or online.
Intensive trajectory: For employees who need to get started quickly: five consecutive days, four hours per day, alternated with exercises on the online platform. This trajectory can take place in-company, at a Language Partners location or online.
For blended learning trajectories, all training is combined with a personal online learning platform that employees can continue to use for months after the training ends, at their own pace.
How does the process work?
The process is simpler than many HR professionals expect. After your training request, you will receive a training proposal within a maximum of two working days, including the expected costs and duration. If you wish to proceed, we start the online intakes. These assess the current level of each participant based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR, levels A0 to C2) and map out individual learning needs.
After the intakes are completed, you will receive a final quote within a maximum of two working days. Once approved, training can start — an individual online trajectory often within a week, a group training sometimes a little later depending on location and planning.
During the trajectory we monitor progress. If there is reason to do so, we will keep you as HR professional informed.
What does it deliver?
Organisations that invest in NT2 training see shorter onboarding times, less miscommunication on the work floor and higher employee satisfaction. The cost of replacing an employee is considerably higher than the investment in good NT2 training.
Employees who master the language feel at home faster, perform better, stay longer and that also leads to lower turnover. But perhaps the most tangible result: an international team that truly communicates with each other. Not just in meetings, but also at the coffee machine.
How do you get started?
Contact Language Partners. After the first conversation we will have a proposal ready within two working days that fits your organisation, your employees and your budget.
Does your organisation employ expats or international staff?
Language Partners provides tailor-made NT2 training so your people can work independently on the Dutch work floor quickly and effectively.
Frequently asked questions about NT2 training for employers
From how many employees can I request NT2 group training?
Group training is available from two participants. We align the group composition based on language level and learning goals.
How quickly can NT2 training start?
After your request you will receive a training proposal within 2 working days. After the intakes and approval of the quote, an individual trajectory can often start within a week. Group training typically starts within a few weeks.
What is the difference between NT2 and business Dutch?
NT2 is for employees who still need to learn Dutch from a low or zero level. Business Dutch is for employees who already have a foundation but want to communicate more professionally in the workplace. The online intake determines which trajectory fits best.
How is the language level assessed?
We work with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR, levels A0 to C2). Each participant completes an online intake in which both the starting level and individual learning needs are mapped out.
Can employees with different levels start at the same time?
Yes. Based on the intakes we group participants by level. If the level difference is too large for a group, we recommend individual trajectories.
How long does an NT2 trajectory take?
A standard trajectory takes 11 weeks at 3 to 3.5 hours per week. For employees who need to get started quickly we also offer intensive trajectories of 5 consecutive days.
How do we as HR keep track of progress?
If there is reason to do so, we inform you as HR professional about the progress per employee. Each participant starts with a clear learning goal and a baseline measurement so results are measurable.
Is subsidy available for NT2 training?
In some cases yes. Language Partners knows the relevant regulations and helps your HR team explore subsidy options.
