Needs Analysis in an ESP Context: A Case Study of Saudi Trainees at Technical and Vocational Colleges

Abstract

This study explores the English language needs of Saudi trainees enrolled in Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) colleges in Saudi Arabia. The focus of this paper is, on AlJumum Technical College. The data were collected using a mixed-methods approach. While the trainees participated via questionnaires, the ESP instructors took part in semi-structured interviews. The results of the analysis showed a clear focus on receptive skills (listening and reading) in current ESP courses, while productive skills (speaking and writing) were underdeveloped. These findings also point to a mismatch between the curriculum design and the actual professional communication needs of the world. The study indicates that the integration of systematic needs analysis into ESP curriculum development can help to overcome this gap, enhance communicative competence, and contribute to the goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 for workforce readiness and localisation. In light of the above, practical suggestions are made to both curriculum designers and ESP instructors to ensure the effectiveness of the contextual relevance and pedagogy.