Meinir Ebbsworth, Director of Strategy at the National Centre for Learning Welsh, talks about the opportunities for both young people and the education workforce to learn and use the Welsh language
The main aim of the National Centre for Learning Welsh is to create new Welsh speakers.
Reaching diverse audiences, and attracting and supporting them to learn and enjoy the language is a continuing priority as we support the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 policy.
The Centre’s work has expanded over the past few years, with extensive Learn Welsh programmes now available for young people and the education workforce.
Opportunities for young people aged 16 to 25
There are countless opportunities for young people to learn and use the Welsh language, whether they’re school pupils, in further or higher education, following an apprenticeship, or working.
A wide range of courses are available free of charge, in face-to-face settings and virtual classrooms. There’s a wealth of digital learning resources too, and during the summer, we’ll also be holding a residential course for this age group. The course is being held on the same weekend as the Gŵyl Canol Dre Welsh festival in Carmarthen, which will give the young people an opportunity to socialise and enjoy Welsh-language music as well as attending language workshops.
Forming partnerships is a key part of our provision for young people. We’re working in partnership with organisations such as the Urdd, Young Farmers, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and apprenticeship providers such as Jobs Growth Wales+ to reach young audiences.
To learn more about our opportunities for young people, follow the next link: Welsh for Young People | Learn Welsh
Education workforce
The Centre’s work with the education sector is vital, and our comprehensive programme for this sector includes a range of training and support for teachers, headteachers, prospective teachers, classroom assistants and support staff in schools.
Courses are available at different learning levels, from beginners to confidence-building, and vary in terms of learning methods, with face-to-face settings, virtual classrooms, and online self-study courses all available. As part of the provision, residential courses are also held which enable learners to immerse themselves in the language and gain confidence to use and enjoy their Welsh.
From September 2025 onwards, our services will also include intensive Learn Welsh courses – formerly known as the sabbatical scheme.
There’s a two-fold aim to our provision for the education workforce. Firstly, to strengthen the Welsh language skills of the workforce, and secondly, to provide strategies and advice on how teachers can introduce and teach Welsh in the classroom, and increase the use of Welsh in their schools.
To learn more about the provision for the education workforce, follow the next link: Education Workforce | Learn Welsh or you’re welcome to e-mail support@learnwelsh.cymru.