Work realities: Migrants preparing for the experience of work

Abstract

Migrants entering cooperative work placements face layers of challenges that become apparent in scrutinizing workplace data. Drawing on authentic voice recordings of two worksites in Auckland, this paper traces three themes of workplaces: the exercise of power; the culture of the workplace; and work relations. It analyses the dynamics of a management meeting as it decides to require greater productivity from its workers. Then it describes the interactions of factory workers, focusing on its collaborative work culture and working relations. The paper derives implications for language education, especially in relation to migrant learners preparing for the workplace.