The funding has been awarded to the National Centre for Learning Welsh to continue its Work Welsh programme which began in April 2017. The programme provides training and support ranging from information and advice for employers to online, intensive or residential courses for employees.
More than 4,000 people in workplaces across Wales have participated in Work Welsh courses during this financial year, exceeding the targets set at the start of the programme. During the second year of the programme, a range of courses tailored to specific sectors, including health and social care and retail, will be developed. A programme of courses developed specifically for those working in childcare settings will also be delivered.
Announcing the funding, the Minister said:
“BT Cymru Wales was the first private sector company to sign up to Work Welsh, which delivered a tailored programme of learning for colleagues at our offices in Swansea and Cardiff. The scheme has given colleagues an opportunity to both learn and improve their Welsh, gaining valuable confidence to use the language in the workplace.”
Amongst the many organisations to have benefitted from Work Welsh are BT Cymru Wales and Ceredigion Council.
Alwen Williams, director for BT Cymru Wales, said:
“BT Cymru Wales was the first private sector company to sign up to Work Welsh, which delivered a tailored programme of learning for colleagues at our offices in Swansea and Cardiff. The scheme has given colleagues an opportunity to both learn and improve their Welsh, gaining valuable confidence to use the language in the workplace.”
Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, said:
“The Work Welsh team worked closely with us to deliver fully-funded, expert tuition with flexible learning options. The scheme has enabled us to both support employees’ professional development and fulfil a business need to provide bilingual services for our users. We’re delighted with the results and look forward to continuing our Welsh language learning journey.”
Efa Gruffudd Jones, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, added:
“We welcome this additional funding for Work Welsh which has already proved popular, delivering new opportunities for thousands of people across Wales to strengthen their Welsh language skills. We work closely with employers to adapt and tailor the scheme for different sectors and are able to offer appropriate training to meet a variety of business needs. There is a real demand, from both employers and employees, for the scheme and we look forward to introducing a range of new courses over the coming months.”
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