Guide · Choosing a provider
Choosing a language training provider: a checklist for companies
Interlexico editorial team · Updated on · 5 min read
In short
You can recognise a good corporate language training provider by ten points: reliable placement, needs analysis, content from your industry, fixed and qualified trainers, suitable formats, flexible delivery (online, on-site, hybrid), small groups, measurable reporting for HR, transparent contract terms and a fast, concrete quote. Ask every provider the same questions and compare prices per participant per learning hour.
The checklist
Ask every provider the same questions — this makes quotes comparable:
- Placement: is every participant assessed before starting, ideally against the CEFR and including speaking?
- Needs analysis: does the provider ask about your specific situations, goals and timeline?
- Industry focus: does the training use vocabulary and case examples from your working day?
- Trainers: what qualifications and experience do they have, and do they stay the same throughout the course?
- Formats: are one-to-one, group and class training available so you can cover key people and whole teams?
- Delivery: is training possible online, on-site and hybrid — to fit locations and shift patterns?
- Group size: how large are groups at most? In small groups (up to about 7 people) everyone gets much more speaking time.
- Reporting: does HR receive regular, clear information on attendance and progress?
- Contract: how are minimum terms, cancellations, rescheduling and missed sessions handled?
- Response time: how quickly do you receive a concrete written quote?
Warning signs
Be careful with offers without placement, pure textbook teaching without reference to your work, constantly changing trainers, and providers who say nothing about measuring success. Very large groups lower the price per person, but usually the learning outcome as well.
How to compare
Request two or three quotes based on the same brief: team size, starting level (if known), goals, preferred formats and timeline. Convert prices to participant and learning hour and check what is included. A short consultation also quickly shows whether a provider really understands your needs.
Interlexico usually answers enquiries within one business day with a concrete proposal; placement, scheduling, trainer matching and reporting run via the Interlexico ONE platform.