Floridians who speak English as a second language focused on
reducing AI-related job uncertainty
MIAMI, March 15,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson (FTSE:
PSON.L), the world's leading learning company, today announced the
results of a study looking at what motivates professionals across
Florida to study a language,
finding that concerns include someday losing their job to AI and
automation, as well as seeing English fluency as the biggest
hindrance to personal and professional success.
Titled "How English Empowers Your Tomorrow: The Life Changing
Impact of Learning English on your Career and Beyond," the Pearson
findings for Florida include:
- The concern about AI's impact on careers crosses the
generations. 52% of Baby Boomers learning English as a
second language are motivated to learn English as a strategic move,
preparing for potential job shifts due to AI advancements. Even Gen
Z (38%), though less concerned, acknowledges the need for language
skills to prepare to be potentially moved out of their current
career.
- There's a disconnect between what employees want and what
employers provide. While 90% of respondents say on-the-job
training of language skills are important, just 31% say their jobs
offer anything like that today.
- Lack of fluency is keeping many immigrants to Florida in jobs below the ones they left at
home. 37% of people of Florida immigrants are working in jobs they
consider to be lower status than their previous roles, citing lack
of language proficiency as the reason for the career step
backwards.
The report also found second language English speakers report
higher job satisfaction with advanced English proficiency, and that
fluency helps in social circles too, unlocking opportunities to
feel more comfortable and make friends. Additionally, 36% cited
proficiency as key to accessing critical services in fields like
healthcare and education.
"Our study underscores the transformative power of language
proficiency," said Paula Sacchini,
the Miami-based head of marketing
for North America for Pearson. "As
AI continues to shape the workforce, English fluency becomes a
critical asset for career resilience and for unlocking your full
personal and professional potential."
Pearson chose Florida as a key
market to study due to its international diversity, rapid growth
and the number of businesses considering Florida for a base of operations in the near
future. With reports estimating as many as 1,200 people move to
Florida in the average day, the
continued prosperity of these new Floridians will continue to
require assessment on how to measure and develop the necessary
skills to ensure the state's workforce is ready for tomorrow's
changing career landscape.
Pearson interviewed more than 5,000 speakers of English as a
second or additional language from Japan, Saudi
Arabia, Brazil,
Italy, and Florida. Across all regions, the vast majority
(80%) believe English skills are directly linked to higher earning
potential, while two fifths (40%) think strong English language
skills can lead to as much as a 50-80% salary increase.
Those with the highest English proficiency are more satisfied
with their existing income and jobs. According to the research,
three quarters (75%) of advanced English speakers are satisfied
with their income, compared with less than half (47%) of beginner
English speakers. Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) advanced speakers are
satisfied with their job, but this number goes down to fewer than
two thirds (64%) among beginners.
"This new research shows the importance of English in helping
people lead more fulfilling lives both in and outside of the
workplace," said Gio Giovannelli,
president of Pearson, English Language Learning. "And yet, many
people still struggle with a lack of confidence in their English
proficiency, which is having an impact on their ability to perform
daily tasks at work, to interact with others, and even to simply
engage with the world around them, or on social media. With an
AI-dominated future causing job uncertainty, the importance of
English as a differentiating skill will only grow, which is why
we're encouraging people who want to learn English to act now and
boost their skills fast with learning that's personalised to their
level."
Pearson commissioned the research in line with its Global Scale
of English (GSE) framework. The GSE offers fast language learning
by understanding exactly where each individual is on their journey
and giving them confidence in their own skills. With the research,
Pearson wanted to understand people's reasons for learning English,
as well as their current confidence levels when using the
language.
Globally, the results showed English skills are critical beyond
just job and income prospects:
- 79% of respondents said it's an important skill in their
personal lives
- 81% think it will be increasingly necessary in the future.
- Nearly half said that making progress in English has made them
confident across all areas of their life.
Motivators for wanting to learn English outside of work
included:
- a desire to travel more (55%),
- to be able to watch TV, film and online content in English
(50%) and
- to be able to read the English around them (48%).
For more information on Pearson and to improve your English
skills with the GSE, please visit: The Impact of English -
Learners, English Language | Pearson Languages.
About the research
Pearson's study of more than 5,000
speakers of English as a second or additional language was
conducted by PSB Insights at the end of 2023 across Japan, Saudi
Arabia, Brazil,
Italy and Florida.
Respondents were aged 18-64, who were not fluent in English,
didn't speak it as a first language, and were either: actively
learning English, regularly using English at work, professionally
motivated to learn English or believed English would make their job
easier or improve their job prospects.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to
add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning
opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our
c.18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and
enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We
are the world's leading learning company, serving customers in
c.200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications,
and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are.
For more information, please visit www.pearsonplc.com.
About the Pearson Global Scale of English
Pearson's
Global Scale of English is an essential tool for accelerating
English Language Learning. Designed to develop real-world speaking,
writing, listening and reading skills, it enables you to accurately
assess your current level, set personalised learning goals and
track progress on a regular basis. Built on extensive global
research, it goes beyond other language learning frameworks to
provide detailed insights into proficiency and build confidence. It
is a must-have for all serious English language learners.
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SOURCE Pearson Education