Play2Work develops game-based solutions for language learning and working life
Language skills grow through use. Play2Work brings language learning closer to the real-life situations where language is needed - at work, when looking for a job and in everyday interactions.
Coordinated by Spring House, Play2Work is a Nordic development project funded by the Nordplus Adult programme. The project supports adult immigrants in developing their language skills and strengthening their readiness for working life.
Together, we develop, pilot and evaluate game-based language learning solutions inspired by real workplace situations. Our aim is to make language learning practical, engaging and flexible, while creating more opportunities to practise beyond the classroom.
Play2Work brings together partners from Finland, Iceland, Denmark and Norway. Through Nordic cooperation, we combine expertise, test new approaches and share practices that can support language learning and participation in working life across different contexts.
What does Play2Work aim to achieve?
1. Stronger language skills
Game-based methods offer new and engaging ways to practise the language and communication skills needed in working life.
2. Greater confidence in working life
We bring learning closer to practical workplace situations and the skills needed when applying for jobs and at work.
3. Motivation and confidence to participate
Game-based learning encourages learners to try, participate and use the language. At the same time, it can strengthen their confidence and motivation.
4. Practical tools for educators
We develop tools and practical models that help educators use game-based learning as part of language training.
From real-life needs to practical solutions
Practical tools and learning for real-life workplace situations
When learners, educators and representatives of working life bring their perspectives together, we can create solutions that also work in practice.
In Play2Work, we identify the needs of learners, teachers and employers and use these insights to develop work-oriented language learning games. We test the solutions in all four partner countries.
We also organise workshops for teachers, bringing game-based methods into everyday language teaching. The experiences and insights gained from the pilots will be used to further develop and improve the solutions.
Project results available for wider use
Good solutions deserve to be put into practice. That is why Play2Work aims to produce concrete tools that can be used in language training for adult immigrants even after the project has ended.
The project will produce a guide and practical toolkit, a collection of language learning games and operating models for use in adult education.
We will share updates, lessons learned and project results on this page and on the Play2Work LinkedIn pageOpens in a new tab.
This initiative is powered with strategic alliance
Play2Work is a Nordic adult education development project
Play2Work brings together four expert organisations in adult education and language training for immigrants from Finland, Iceland, Denmark and Norway.
Coordinator: Spring House Oy, Finland
Partners: Mímir símenntun, Iceland; Vestegnens Sprog- og Kompetencecenter (VSK), Denmark; Voksenopplæringen for Øvre Romerike (VOØR), Norway.
Together, we bring strong expertise in adult education, language training for immigrants and work-oriented learning to the project. Nordic cooperation also gives us the opportunity to learn from one another and transfer effective practices from one country to another.
Project period: 1 June 2026–31 May 2028
Funding: Nordplus Adult
How can game-based learning support immigrants’ language skills and employment?
Language is much more than words and grammar. It gives people confidence to navigate working life, interact with others and find their place in a new society.
Classroom learning provides an important foundation, but not everything can be learned at a desk. Working life requires confidence to use language in real situations: to ask, answer, understand and be understood.
In Play2Work, we explore in practice how game-based learning can complement language teaching and offer new ways to practise workplace situations. At the same time, we build cooperation across the Nordic countries and share solutions that can benefit both learners and educators.
Explore other Spring House projects
Together with our partners, we develop new solutions to support employment, skills development and participation through our projects.
Follow Play2Work on LinkedIn
Follow project progress, partner updates, pilots and results on the Play2Work LinkedIn page.
