The National Centre for Learning Welsh would like to see more young people working as Learn Welsh tutors and is offering a scholarship for students to attend the 'Tiwtoriaid Yfory’ (Tomorrow's Tutors) course which will introduce them to the sector.
The two-week course will be held between 7 – 18 July this year, and will include workshops with experienced tutors, and opportunities to observe the classes during a summer course by Learn Welsh Cardiff, one of the Centre's providers, which is organised by Cardiff University.
Tiwtoriaid Yfory was held for the first time in the summer of 2022, and Macsen Brown was on the course that year. Since then, he has qualified as a tutor and has been teaching Welsh to adults while finishing his degree in Modern and Medieval Languages, including during his year abroad in Shora and Estonia in 2022 and 2023.
Macsen said, "I'm so glad I did the Tiwtoriaid Yfory course back in 2022 - I had never considered being a Learn Welsh tutor before that.
"As I come from London, it was the idea of speaking Welsh for two weeks that attracted me to the course, but by the end of the two weeks, I could see how it could work for me while studying. It was also an opportunity to earn money at a time when the cost of living is rising."
At the end of the Tiwtoriaid Yfory course, there is an opportunity for the students to meet with the leaders of the different Learn Welsh providers to discuss possible job opportunities.
Macsen added, “As I have family in the Vale of Glamorgan, I was keen to work with providers in that area. I started teaching my first class in October 2022, and did my ‘Dechrau Dysgu’ (Start Learning) qualification at the same time.
"I taught one class a week, and I continued to teach for two years while finishing my degree and during my year out at Shora - even though at that time I was teaching my lesson from 11pm until 1am because of the time difference!
"By now, I teach two lessons a week and have got a job as a face-to-face tutor at a college in London. It has been a great way to gain experience of the world of work, which is so important on a CV when you are looking for your first job. It has been an important step for me as I start my professional career.
Helen Prosser, Director of Learning and Teaching at the National Centre for Learning Welsh, added, "Now that we have held the course three times, it is nice to see the legacy of the course, and to hear what past students have gained from it.
"There are some, like Macsen, who have been tutoring in the evenings while studying, but there are also some who have chosen a career as a tutor and work full-time for our providers."
Some of the most experienced tutors in the Learn Welsh for adults’ sector will be working on the scheme in 2025 and in addition to practical sessions, the students will have the opportunity to observe lessons and hear from guest speakers.
Helen added, "We need a constant supply of new talent, and this is a great opportunity for students to get a taste of the work.
"We welcome applications from students from all backgrounds and look forward to offering them valuable learning and teaching experiences."
"Students studying any subject can apply - we're looking for people who can inspire others to learn and speak Welsh, and who have strong Welsh language skills themselves.”
The closing date for applications is 31 January 2025 and the successful applicants will be notified at the end of March.
More information can be found at the Learn Welsh website
