SLT Part-time Courses: Workshops & Customised Training

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has appointed the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) to develop and administer an English language proficiency test known as the Service Literacy Test (SLT) for foreign workers in the Hotel, Retail and Food and Beverage (F&B) industries. From July 2010, work permit holders in the three industries will have to pass the SLT in order to qualify for skilled levy status. David Doyle, the CEO of Ascend, advises “the key to SLT exam success for test-candidates is to ensure they are adequately prepared”.

In order to prepare Work Permit Holders for the SLT, Ascend - The English Professionals has developed three training solutions for employers and their workers:

1. One-day SLT preparatory workshops at Ascend’s premises. These workshops are targeted at workers who have a fair command of English, but who need to familiarise themselves with the SLT Computer Based Test. Test-takers will be able to experience what the SLT Computer Based Test is like in our state-of-the-art computer lab in Carpenter Street (next to Clarke Quay MRT and 10 minutes walk from both City Hall and Raffles Place MRT). Test-takers can practice on Ascend’s computers the types of questions they can expect to face in the real test under the supervision of our professional trainer.
2. 10-Week Part-time SLT preparatory courses at Ascend’s premises. These courses are targeted at workers who have some basic command of English, but who are not ready to take the test at this point and require further training to upgrade themselves for the SLT.
3. Customised courses at the Employer’s premises and at Ascend’s premises:. These customised courses provide employers with greater flexibility. Ascend will conduct an initial English needs analysis for free and advise on a customised solution to meet test-candidates English learning needs. The customised preparatory course can be run at both the Employers and at Ascend’s premises if logistically feasible.

David believes that Ascend has the capability to deliver the results employers and their workers require as Ascend preparatory courses have three distinct advantages:

“First, Ascend employs only qualified trainers and Ascend has a five-year track record in successfully preparing foreigners for international English exams such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Second, Ascend houses a state-of-the–art computer lab of 45 PC with English Language Training Software which will assist candidates tremendously in preparing for the SLT which is a computer based test. Many test-candidates will never have taken a computer based test before, so at Ascend’s we will be able to demonstrate candidates what they can expect in the actual test.

Third, Ascend preparatory courses are limited in size to 15 test-candidates and workshops are limited in size to 20 participants. This ensures that each test-candidate receives individual attention and has the time to practice their speaking skills for the SLT test”.

Below are the details of Ascend’s solutions: