Issue 12 2019
28 CORPORATE VISION / Success Stories 2019 , Oct19241 Learning Locally Founded in 1975, and proudly Ireland’s oldest language school still going, there’s a lot to say about ACET. Making Cork into a premier destination for educational tourism, we took a closer look at this family run business to find out just how they do it. The oldest language school of its type still going and still run by its founding family, the team behind ACET (Active Centre of English Training) have worked tirelessly to create a centre of excellence for English Language training. Welcoming clients from all over the world from Brazil to Spain to Japan, living in Cork allows them not only to learn the language but to immerse themselves in the local culture. This is a major selling point, offering students a chance to live a truly authentic Irish experience. ACET are a leading name within the industry, a reputation earned by their long experience and excellent customer-focused approach that has pushed them to improve. As a family concern, it does not offer students something clinical, but a friendly, warm product. This boutique approach comes as a result of giving students the best service they can receive and ensuring they can feel at home. The mix of students is broad, with no more than 20% of any nationality within an environment which helps class dynamics, as well as social relationships and better cultural exchange. Accredited by several bodies in the industry, such as IALC, EAQUALS and ACELS and Cambridge English to name a few, there is also the matter of the strict audits that come with them. This ensures that a high quality level of education is provided at ACET. The level of English Language training is above international standards in a positive client-centred approach. Looking ahead, ACET are proud to say they’re getting bigger, with a fourth centre due to open in 2020. ACET sets constant goals for both growth and improvement and over the years have gained many awards in their industry. This growth goes beyond the company, with pride taken in how the company is a community. In order to provide a quality service, ACET promotes a working environment which encourages empowerment, trust, cooperation and teamwork. Additionally, ACET consistently provide opportunities for their team to grow and advance. This work culture has been at the heart of the company. Ever since the beginning, diversity and inclusion has been at the very core of ACET’s culture. Clients are from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, of varying ages, sexual orientations and gender. As an inclusive school, we work hard to ensure positive outcomes are achieved in terms of access, participation, personal development and educational goals. Since the beginning, ACET has been committed to hosting a diverse workplace and learning environment where the team and their clients can always feel included, supported and equal. Similarly, it’s important for each member of the team to see themselves as people, not just working colleagues. It’s essential to be able to speak to each other and to communicate well. This is achieved through mindfulness, nights out and team building events. The turnover of staff at ACET is minimal and a clear result of this policy. This work environment feeds into the passion for the teaching of English. For an employee of ACET, ensuring this is present is essential. Passion for the job leads to learning and quality education in a warm, welcoming, and safe environment. Perhaps the most obvious signifier of their success in this area is the longstanding service of so many employees, and the repeat business of so many agencies and students. Clearly a standard bearer in the world of English Language Education, ACET continue to thrive in a potentially shrinking market, by putting emphasis on making their school into a warm place where students want to be, and their city into an attraction that helps sell that atmosphere. Contact: Joelle Coade Company: ACET Website: www.acetireland.ie
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