How English Courses In Hull Are Helping Cranswick Staff Build Skills And Better Futures

Imagine trying to do your job, chat with your mates, or even just read a safety sign when you're not completely confident with the language. It’s a tough situation that many people face. But one company in Hull is doing something brilliant about it. Cranswick Convenience Foods has teamed up with Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE) to bring English lessons right into the factory, helping their employees build not just their vocabulary, but also brighter futures. This initiative, announced on 19 January 2026, is a fantastic example of a company investing in its people.

Bringing the classroom to the factory floor

Finding the time for education outside of work can be a real challenge. There's commuting, family life, and just being tired after a long shift. That's why this scheme is so clever. HTAE is delivering an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) functional skills course directly at the Cranswick factory on the Sutton Fields Industrial Estate. This means the staff don't have to travel anywhere extra; the learning comes to them, in a place they already know well. This makes a huge difference for employees who want to improve their English language skills.

The courses are designed to meet people wherever they are on their language journey. There are two main options available:

• A beginner level class for employees who are just starting to learn English.

• A functional skills class where staff work towards an official English qualification, at either Entry Level 1 or Entry Level 2.

This approach means that every learner gets the right level of support. The whole setup is tailored to fit the needs of both the employees and the company. And because the courses are currently funded by the Department for Education, it removes another barrier, making high-quality education more accessible than ever. It’s a smart way of helping people get better with their language skills in a familiar setting.

A partnership that works for everyone

What makes this partnership between Cranswick and HTAE really special is the commitment from everyone involved. The staff who attend the English courses do so voluntarily, which shows how much they want to learn. The company, in turn, supports them in a very practical way. For every hour of personal time a staff member gives to the class, Cranswick pays for an hour of their work time. It’s a fifty-fifty split that proves the company values its employees' development.

This collaboration is about more than just learning grammar. It's about helping employees build the essential English skills they need every day. Better communication at work means a safer, more efficient environment. It helps colleagues connect and understand each other better. Outside of work, it boosts personal independence, making everything from shopping to booking appointments much easier. And looking ahead, these improved skills are a massive step towards long-term career progression. This course is a brilliant example of how a company can support its staff to build a better future.

Real stories from the learners

The real impact of these courses can be seen in the stories of the people taking part. Take Dragos Ciubotaru, who works in the packing department at Cranswick. He moved to Hull from Romania five years ago and has been with the company for three years. For him, the course has been a game-changer.

“I wanted to improve my English and I feel the courses are really helping and improving my knowledge. It’s good that they come here to my place of work and I can learn with colleagues as well. I feel like it will really help me in the future and help me progress in my career.”

Then there's Tetiana Martyniuk. She came to Hull from Ukraine two years ago and started working in the packing department at Cranswick soon after. She jumped at the chance to join the HTAE course and is now getting ready for her exam. The change in her confidence is clear.

“I feel like I understand much more English now.”

“I knew a little before, but the course has helped me be more confident with writing and speaking. The teaching has been very good for me, they explain well and I understand much better now and being able to speak and communicate better with colleagues means I feel more confident in my role and for myself personally.”

These stories show that learning a language is not just about words; it's about how you feel.

More than just a language course

The benefits of these ESOL courses ripple out across the whole business. Magdalena Piasecka, a senior operational trainer at Cranswick, explained that helping staff with their English skills is a massive win for everyone.

“ESOL has a significant positive impact on both our people and the wider business.”

“Supporting colleagues to develop their English skills helps build confidence, improves communication and strengthens inclusion across our teams.”

"At Cranswick, we see ESOL not just as a language programme, but as an investment in our workforce.”

“By helping employees grow and thrive, we are also building a more engaged, capable and resilient business.”

Rachel Nolan, the ESOL manager at HTAE, agreed, noting the fantastic support the staff have received from their managers and the amazing commitment shown by the learners, with excellent attendance across the board.

How HTAE makes learning accessible

This fantastic work at Cranswick is just one part of what Hull Training and Adult Education does. The organisation offers a range of part-time courses for any adults aged 19 or over who want to improve their skills. The classes are super flexible, with morning, afternoon, and evening slots available, catering for every level of learner.

For anyone whose first language isn't English, these ESOL courses are perfect for improving the language skills needed for everyday life. Throughout the course, learners are taught by experienced tutors who specialise in helping people with their speaking, listening, reading, and writing. What’s more, there’s a relaxed and informal ESOL community group held every Friday morning during term time. It’s a welcoming space to practice English over a cup of tea, with different activities each week. It’s all about making education accessible and enjoyable for everyone in the community.