Languages Work*

Engineering

 

The international dimension is vitally important to the UK’s engineering industry, yet there is a shortage of people who can combine technical skills with competence in another language. That means people with language skills are much sought after.

 

1. What does Vorsprung durch Technik mean? Audi’s Head Office is in Germany but it makes cars in 6 countries. Do you know which they are?

• Answer

  Vorsprung durch Technik means ‘Progress through technology’. Audi manufacture in Brazil, Germany, China, Thailand, Hungary and Italy.

2. Can you match these companies with the country where they are owned?

a) Pilkington b) Rover c) Electrolux d) Siemens e) Philips
Sweden, Germany, Japan, China, Holland 

• Answer

  a) Pilkington – Japan
  b) Rover – China
  c) Electrolux – Sweden
  d) Siemens – Germany
  e) Philips – Holland

3. It’s a company that has been based in Somerset since 1917. It’s now owned by an Italian company, and is one of the world’s largest companies of its type. It currently has work in 23 countries. What is its name and what does it make?

• Answer
  AgustaWestland Helicopters.

 

Go to www.cilt.org.uk/employment/case_studies for more examples of engineering companies using languages.