Creating Welsh speakers and increasing the use of the language – the growing contribution of the learn Welsh for adults sector

The National Centre for Learning Welsh has welcomed the Welsh Commissioner’s 5-year report, which clearly outlines the steps needed to strengthen the position of the Welsh language in the years ahead.

As a key partner to the Commissioner, the Centre is already contributing to the priority areas identified in the report, ensuring that Welsh is embedded beyond the classroom — in communities, workplaces and everyday life.

Over the past decade, the Centre has transformed the learn Welsh for adults sector. It has led new programmes for communities, workforces, young people and families, and during this period there has been a significant growth in the numbers learning Welsh.

One of its most recent developments is the National Learn Welsh Programme for the Education Workforce, which includes Early Years Childcare and Education. This work is central to increasing the sector’s linguistic capacity and to delivering the ambitions of the Welsh Language and Education Act.

The Centre’s wider programmes also contribute directly to creating workplaces that support the Welsh language. Since 2018, more than 30,000 employees and 2,000 employers have taken part in its Learn Welsh programmes. Estyn has praised the Centre’s strategic and effective approach, describing it as “one of the cornerstones of linguistic planning initiatives in the workplace” (Estyn Report 2025).

The Centre works strategically and collaboratively with leaders across key sectors to provide clear, practical support that increases day-to-day use of Welsh. The success of tailored programmes for sectors such as Health and Social Care shows how new linguistic spaces can be created.

Young people are another priority. Free courses are available for those aged 16–24, and this provision is growing in popularity. Through targeted courses and strategic partnerships, the Centre is attracting increasing numbers of young people to the language. Exciting plans are also underway within the world of sport to further expand opportunities for young people to learn and use Welsh.

As Wales looks ahead towards its next chapter — including forthcoming Senedd elections — the Centre’s contribution remains vital. It looks forward to continuing to welcome and support people from all backgrounds to learn, use and enjoy the Welsh language.