Exploring English communication needs in the heavy equipment industry: Insights from industry practitioners

Elisa Ratih; Dita Lupita Sari

doi:10.22219/celtic.v12i2.42210

Authors

Elisa Ratih Akademi Teknik Alat Berat Indonesia, Malang, Indonesia
Dita Lupita Sari Akademi Teknik Alat Berat Indonesia, Malang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22219/celtic.v12i2.42210

Abstract

The heavy equipment industry requires employees to possess
not only technical expertise but also adequate English
communication skills to interact effectively in multinational
workplaces. This study aims to explore the English
communication needs of professionals in the heavy equipment
sector as a basis for designing an industry-oriented English
curriculum. Data were collected through semi-structured
interviews with industry practitioners from leading heavy
equipment companies in Indonesia. The findings reveal that
English is primarily used in technical documentation, safety
communication, and daily interaction with expatriates, with
writing and speaking skills being the most crucial. Furthermore,
specific vocabulary related to machinery operation,
troubleshooting, and safety procedures emerged as essential
for workplace communication. The results suggest that an
English curriculum for heavy equipment engineering programs
should integrate task-based activities, workplace simulation,
and multimodal strategies to bridge the gap between
academic instruction and industry demands. This study
provides valuable insights for curriculum developers, vocational
educators, and policymakers in aligning English teaching with
national human capital development goals.

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