🗓️ How to Plan a Realistic Language Training Schedule for Your Employees

Investing in second-language training is a strategic move for your department — but how you schedule that training can determine whether it leads to success or stagnation.
Creating a realistic, focused schedule is essential to ensuring your employees progress effectively while managing their work obligations. This guide offers clear, actionable advice to help you make informed scheduling decisions that align with both your bilingual objectives and operational realities.

🎯 Start With the End in Mind: Define the Learning Objective

Before you schedule anything, be clear on the outcome you're targeting for each learner. Ask:

• Is the goal to reach Level B or Level C on the Second Language Evaluation (SLE)?

• Does the learner need to maintain an existing level (B or C)?

• Are you retraining after an unsuccessful SLE attempt?

• Is this a long-term development path, or a time-sensitive requirement?

Each objective has different implications for intensity, duration, and learner readiness.

⏱️ Recommended Weekly Training Intensity by Objective

🧭 Tip: For the best results, match the intensity to the objective — and avoid “trying to fit training around everything else.”

⚠️ The Risks of Unrealistic or Inconsistent Schedules

🔄 Inconsistent Attendance

• Interrupts the learning curve

• Causes review-heavy sessions instead of progression

• Undermines learner confidence

🧊 Low Weekly Hours (1–2 hrs/week)

• Too little time for meaningful skill development

• Often leads to stagnation and disengagement

• Can waste valuable training dollars without measurable outcomes

💼 Work-Training Overload

• Expecting learners to balance full-time training with full-time duties is counterproductive

• Leads to stress, reduced attention, and poor retention

• Undermines training quality and learner motivation

✅ Best Practice: Full-time language training should come with full-time work release. For part-time learners, protect their training blocks and adjust workloads accordingly.

🧭 Practical Scheduling Guidelines

Here’s how to plan for real success:

1. Block Protected Time
   – Treat language training like any critical work activity. Avoid booking meetings or tasks during training hours.

2. Plan With Buffer Periods
   – Don’t schedule training sessions right before or after demanding meetings.
   – Allow time for reflection and retention after class.

3. Avoid Last-Minute Changes
   – Shifting class times week-to-week slows progress. Stability = success.

4. Adjust Workload Expectations
   – Make realistic adjustments to project loads, email volume, and responsibilities.

5. Communicate Objectives Clearly to Learners
   – Let employees know why they’re in training, what’s expected, and how their progress will be tracked.

📊 What Happens When You Get It Right?

✅ Faster progression toward B or C
✅ More confident, motivated employees
✅ Better success rates on the SLE
✅ More efficient use of training funds
✅ Stronger support for organizational bilingualism

🛠️ How Knowledge Circle Can Support You

We partner with departments to:

• Recommend individualized schedules based on the learner's profile and goal

• Track progress through detailed progress reports and readiness assessments

• Adjust programs when needed to reflect contract, HR, or operational realities

• Support learners with specific needs or accommodations

• Provide onboarding support and training to ensure all stakeholders are aligned

Our approach is collaborative — and flexible.

✅ Summary: What a Realistic Schedule Looks Like

📬 Let’s Plan Together

Have questions about how to structure training based on your department’s needs or timelines?

Reach out to:

Kevin Presseault
Account Manager, Knowledge Circle
📧 scheduling@knowledgecircle.ca

We’ll help you build a schedule that works — for you, your learners, and your goals.