Language Training for Global Mining Solutions: Inside WEIR Chile’s Journey 

As WEIR Chile expanded its operations internationally, effective cross-border communication became essential. Part of the global Weir Group, a leading provider of high-resistance equipment and solutions for the mining industry, WEIR Chile recognized the need to equip its workforce with strong English language skills to meet the demands of a global network.

We spoke with Cristian Peralta, Training and Development Coordinator at WEIR Chile, who provided valuable insights into the impact of this English training program. Cristian discussed the unique challenges the company faced as it transitioned to an international structure and how a carefully structured, strategic language training program has enabled employees to communicate confidently with colleagues and clients worldwide.

Through this interview, we explore how WEIR Chile tailored its training program to support both individual growth and organizational goals in a competitive, global industry.

International Expansion and the Need for English Training

Following its acquisition by the Weir Group, WEIR Chile expanded operations worldwide, strengthening ties with subsidiaries in Europe, North America, and other strategic markets.

Cristian explained how this international expansion made English training a priority. “People here need to report to subsidiaries in Germany, Scotland, Great Britain, Brazil, the

United States, and other countries, and in these regions, it’s essential to communicate in English,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of preparing every employee at Weir to engage effectively with global colleagues.

Meeting the Challenges of Global Communication

Transitioning from a national to an international structure brought about several challenges. Before implementing English training, employees at WEIR Chile faced barriers when accessing technical documents and communicating with other teams. “Most of the documents are in English, so it’s crucial for the team, especially supervisors, to have at least a basic understanding to be able to make sense of them,” Cristian noted, highlighting the need to develop English proficiency for the technical and professional growth of the team.

Read more here to delve into how our Business English Program provides a solid foundation in business English for global teams.

Clear Goals for Strong Professional Growth

At WEIR Chile, English training goes beyond language acquisition—it’s about preparing employees to feel confident and secure in their communication skills. “When they have to give a presentation, it should feel natural to them… they need to be able to present sales figures, production outcomes, and other achievements without second-guessing,” Cristian emphasized. This vision allows the training team to tailor the program so that each employee can reach meaningful, job-focused goals.

To gauge the program’s effectiveness, WEIR Chile conducts surveys that allow team leaders to assess whether employees are applying their English training on the job. “We ask if the employee is using what they’ve learned at work; it’s a way to verify whether there has been real progress,” Cristian explained, demonstrating WEIR Chile’s commitment to continuous improvement and employee development

A Tailored English Training Program

Cristian described how the English program was designed to accommodate different levels of responsibility within the company. While employees participate in group classes, team leaders receive a more intensive, personalized approach. “Typically, leaders discuss their needs with instructors and practice speaking continuously,” Cristian noted.

To ensure effective participation, Cristian and his team implemented a request system that allows team leaders to identify employees who need English training. This structured process has significantly improved the organization and flow of courses throughout the year.

Are you interested in the different strategies that can be implemented to unlock an organization’s global potential? Read more in this article

Results and Progress: Stories of Growth

The progress in English communication skills is evident at WEIR Chile. Cristian shared specific examples of employees who have overcome personal barriers with English, actively engaging in conversations and building confidence. “There was one employee who could only say ‘hello’ and not much else; now, when I ask her something, she understands, responds, and tries to express herself,” Cristian said. This example shows how language training not only builds skills but also boosts confidence and the desire to improve.

This training has also positively impacted job performance. Some employees now take on the responsibility of presenting reports in English, strengthening their leadership and communication skills in a global context. In fact, the program has achieved an 86.6% satisfaction rate in internal surveys that evaluate whether employees are applying what they’ve learned on the job—underscoring the importance of English in both professional development and the growth of WEIR Chile.

A Strategic Vision for the Future

WEIR Chile has a clear vision for the future: English training and other technical skills are ongoing, essential initiatives. Cristian explained how this training has become a strategic need. “It’s a continuous necessity. Technical training, including English, Excel,

and Power BI, is fundamental,” Cristian shared, reflecting the company’s commitment to cultivating essential skills for its employees.

Cristian and his team are dedicated to providing practical tools that prepare employees for effective communication in international contexts. This long-term approach positions WEIR Chile as a leader in language training and talent development for the future.

Are you interested in learning about emerging trends in language training? Read about how the future of workplace learning is transforming language proficiency in companies

Conclusion

Our conversation with Cristian Peralta highlighted the crucial role that English training plays at WEIR Chile and the commitment of the Training and Development team to equip employees with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of a global environment. Thanks to their consistent focus on professional growth, employees have significantly improved their English skills, contributing to the company’s success and international expansion.

With a solid training strategy and clear objectives, WEIR Chile is actively preparing its talent for the global market, demonstrating that language training is a key resource for achieving the company’s goals.

For more details and insights, read the full case study here.