How Tecpetrol boosted employee engagement through English training

100% of employees said English is essential for career success and 64% signed up to the English online course.

Tecpetrol, a leading energy company, wanted to support their employees’ professional growth. Learning English wasn’t just about improving a skill; it was about unlocking future opportunities. Many employees saw English as essential for advancing their careers, qualifying for international projects, and gaining confidence in professional settings.

Previous in-office training failed to engage learners - attendance was near zero, the methodology felt outdated, and employees had no flexibility to choose when or how they learned. Tecpetrol needed a solution that was accessible across multiple locations, encouraged consistent participation, and provided a tangible return on investment in terms of employee satisfaction.

What Tecpetrol needed

Like many modern employers, Tecpetrol wasn’t just looking to tick the box of offering English training. They wanted a solution that would truly support employee growth while providing the flexibility needed in the modern workplace. They were looking for:

  • a valuable employee benefit to create loyalty and encourage engagement with professional development
  • flexibility for employees with demanding schedules who couldn’t commit to rigid class times
  • equitable access for a geographically distributed workforce, regardless of location
  • clear reporting and measurable outcomes to justify continued investment
  • a solution that would engage younger employees and encourage sustained participation.

Traditional face-to-face training had failed to deliver — participation was too low and results were inconsistent. Tecpetrol needed flexibility, scalability, and a motivating learning experience that employees would genuinely value.

Key results

Strong uptake 64% of employees requested access and actively enrolled in the training.
 
High satisfaction The programme earned a 4.2/5 rating from learners, with strong appreciation for the platform’s intuitive design and engaging methodology.
Improved commitment By sharing course costs 50/50 with employees, Tecpetrol encouraged serious participation, leading to more consistent engagement and better results.

What students and leaders said

For Tecpetrol, their reasons for partnering with the British Council were clear:

‘We chose British Council English online course because of the flexibility to schedule classes at any time, the ability for people from different cities to take the course, and the opportunity to interact with teachers and student from different parts of the world.’

Student feedback noted the confidence they built by participating in the course:

‘It helped me a lot because I recently had an academic conference entirely in English… I had to present a very academic part in a language that is not mine. It was a challenge I wouldn’t have been able to achieve if I hadn’t practiced a lot.’

Tecpetrol implemented our English online course[PK1] , a fully virtual, blended learning solution combining self-study and live practice. This approach allowed employees to take charge of their learning, no matter their schedule or location.

How it supported learners

Flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere
Employees could book live classes 24/7, choose their preferred teachers, and complete self-study activities at their own pace. This allowed them to fit English learning around demanding work schedules, personal commitments, and even late-night study sessions, making consistent progress possible for everyone.

Structured, relevant content
The programme focused on real-world communication, combining social and workplace scenarios that employees encounter in professional life. This practical approach meant participants could immediately apply new vocabulary and skills in meetings, presentations, and cross-functional collaborations.

Global exposure and community
Through live online group classes and activities, employees connected with teachers and peers from around the world, giving them a chance to practice English in a multicultural environment. These interactions built cultural awareness and gave learners valuable experience in understanding different communication styles - building fluency, confidence and the skills needed for global collaboration.

  • Flexibility without compromise: With 24/7 access to live classes and the ability to choose their teachers, employees could shape their learning around their work and personal commitments. This flexibility kept participation high while still maintaining the structure needed for consistent progress and measurable results.
  • Real-world outcomes: Employees didn’t just learn English - they used it. From presenting at international academic conferences to participating in professional meetings, learners gained practical skills that translated directly into career growth and confidence.
  • Inclusive and scalable: The online model ensured that every employee, regardless of location, could access the same high-quality training. By removing geographical and scheduling barriers, Tecpetrol was able to offer an equitable learning experience across teams, fostering a shared sense of development and opportunity.

Our learning ecosystem brings together several elements that employers tell us they've struggled to find in other solutions: 

  • Flexible blended methodology: Students tackle foundational concepts online at their own pace, then apply that knowledge immediately in live classes with experienced teachers. This flipped approach means every minute of instructor time focuses on practice and application rather than basic content delivery. 
  • Learning that sticks: The platform integrates naturally into students' daily routines. Whether they're reviewing professional email templates or practicing presentation skills for an upcoming project, the content connects directly to their immediate needs. 
  • Right-sized learning design: Content breaks down into focused segments that respect the reality of student schedules. No more choosing between dense three-hour classroom sessions and superficial quick fixes. Our approach delivers substantial learning in manageable pieces. 
  • Resources that matter: Students access purpose-built resources, and our employment-focused content ensures they can immediately apply skills in professional contexts. [SG1] 
  • Progress tracking that informs decisions: Real-time analytics help institutions understand not just final outcomes, but how students engage with different content types, where they struggle, and what drives success. This data enables continuous program improvement and clear accountability. 

For Tecpetrol, the programme strengthened employee engagement, supported retention, and reinforced the company’s commitment to professional development.

This training became more than a benefit - it became a career accelerator. Employees not only improved their English but also gained confidence to communicate globally, pursue higher education, and take on new professional challenges.
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