A KENDAL-based language school is running a new type of language course designed to give 10 Spanish –speaking linesmen the English skills they need to work in the UK.
 

Bankfield Languages welcomed the group from Spain and Portugal this week for a 16-day course.
 

The men work on maintaining power lines and will be based in Scotland and Wales when they complete the course.
 

Former primary school teacher and Bankfield Languages director, Neil Stanley said: “The students have really thrown themselves into the challenge.
 

“They attend lessons every morning, then we do a task-based activity that develops their knowledge further.
 

“They are all staying with local families so they get real taste of life in Britain and are constantly practising their English - a real immersion in the language.”
 

Activities so far have included pole climbing practice at Electricity North West's Parkside Road depot, a guided tour around Heysham power station, a trip to Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry, health and safety training and a teambuilding day.
 

The linesmen work for FCC, a large Spanish company who are collaborating with CIET, a utility infrastructure company based in Dumfries.