Welcome to Trade Talk
Kia Ora, ni hau, annyeonghaseyo, goede dag, kamasta, and welcome.
My name is Tania Schollum, and I am the founder of Trade Talk. I am a CELTA-qualified (Cambridge University) English as a second language (ESOL) teacher. I am a native English speaker who is also bilingual.
I personally have had first-hand experience living and working in a foreign land and have experienced the highs and lows of mastering an additional language while working. I understand the importance of nurturing a strong relationship between language, culture, and turangawaewae (our sense of belonging), no matter where we are in the world. Because of this, I am able to assist learners through the pitfalls and frustrations of learning English.
I created Trade Talk after observing communication difficulties on a local building site and conversing with local tradesmen about the difficulties they experienced communicating with employees whose English was not their first language.
Trade Talk has been designed to bridge the gap from first language knowledge into English so that our workers in the trades, building, and civil construction can be up to speed not only with general English but also be comfortable and at ease with 'Kiwi' slang. Kiwi slang is prevalent in our trade, construction, and civil industry. Even with a solid command of the English language, Kiwi slang is indeed unique and can be seen as somewhat challenging.
Trade Talk breaks the language down and, with association, and drawing on first language knowledge, Trade Talk will unlock the language needed to assimilate easily into our trades, construction, and civil industry.
The new GATEWAY programme will prepare students with beginner product and equipment knowledge for a smoother transition into their chosen trade to no longer be the 'greenhorn'.
Trade Talk offers trade-specific English classes, ideal for those who
- have recently immigrated to New Zealand,
- wish to sharpen their English skills in the Trade/Building/Civil industries,
- are about to enter the trades, and/or
- need to pass their IELTS exams for immigration/work permit requirements.
- GATEWAY courses coming soon.
COMPANY BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
CLASSES CAN BE BOTH ON-SITE (depending on location) AND VIA ZOOM
Certificate of basic trade English available on completion of the course.
Gateway credits ( to be advised soon)
IELTS exam preparation classes available.