New courses are helping Manchester's Hong Kong community access employment
The Home Office estimates that as many as 322,000 Hong Kong British National (Overseas) status holders could choose to live in the UK over the next five years.
15 learners taking part in Seetec Outsource’s ESOL academy
Submitted by Emma Booth
Local Hong Kong expatriates are enrolling on new courses aimed at helping them to successfully integrate into their communities.
The courses build language skills and allow students to access employment opportunities.
Around 40 people from Trafford's Hong Kong community have enrolled on an 8-week English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programme.
The course - which is taking place in the City of Manchester, Greater Manchester - helps to develop reading, speaking and listening skills.
It also provides learners with knowledge about living and working in the UK.
Joe Leung, one of the learners on the ESOL course, said: "The atmosphere in the class is relaxed and enjoyable with a lot of chances to share your view and communicate with others.
“I like the content in class which was not only the grammar of English but also the history, culture, celebrity, politics, the Royal Family and core values in the United Kingdom.
"I have built up my confidence to speak English after taking this course because I have learnt more about the place I am going to settle.”
The courses are delivered by Seetec Outsource and provided in partnership with Trafford Council.
The learners also take part in enrichment activities.
These include visits to museums, local landmarks and places of cultural interest.
As part of the programme, people will attend job fairs and receive support with CVs and job applications.
Jason Hurn, National Director for Education and Skills at Seetec Outsource, said: “Our Hong Kong learners have shown a great deal of enthusiasm for the ESOL programme.
“We are proud to support Trafford Council with this important initiative.”
Hundreds of families from Hong Kong have already settled in Trafford.
The council is keen to ensure they have access to services and support that will help them feel part of the community.
Councillor Mike Freeman, Trafford Council's executive member for Covid-19 recovery and reform, said: “We are very proud that hundreds of families from Hong Kong chose Trafford to be their new home.
"They are proving to be a fabulous addition to our diverse Trafford family."
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