The National Centre for Learning Welsh’s learning programmes for workforces are continuing to strengthen bilingual skills across Wales.
According to the National Centre’s latest data, more people than ever are learning Welsh, over 20,000 people, with almost 40% of them following courses in the workplace.
The Centre has developed a range of tailored programmes for key sectors and large employers, including Health and Social Care, the Education Workforce and the Emergency Services.
Since the launch of the programmes in 2018, 30,000 employees have taken part. The programmes have been praised by Estyn for their positive impact on strengthening bilingual skills in workplaces across Wales.
Gwent Police is the latest to join a growing list of employers investing in developing their staff’s Welsh language skills.
At Gwent Police, Learn Welsh tutor, Esther Attree, is working on site, providing flexible learning opportunities for police officers and support staff, including courses at different levels and Confidence-Building sessions to support less confident Welsh speakers.
Similar schemes between the National Centre and South Wales Police are also in place.
In Gwent, the provision is coordinated locally by Learn Welsh Gwent, which is run by Coleg Gwent, one of the National Centre’s course providers.
At Gwent Police, we are committed to increasing the use of Welsh, and by working with Esther and the National Centre for Learning Welsh, we are supporting officers and staff to develop the confidence and skills to use Welsh naturally in their day-to-day work. This supports our vision of being an inclusive police service, and ensures that everyone in our communities feels able to communicate with us in their language of choice. By investing in our people and creating accessible learning opportunities, we are strengthening our connection with the public we serve, and continuing to build trust across our communities.
Mark Hobrough, Chief Constable of Gwent Police.
The Centre works closely with employers in key sectors to provide tailored and flexible training that meets the needs of specific workforces. The goal is to increase staff confidence to use Welsh at work and strengthen services for the public. This way of working is proving popular and is creating more and more opportunities for people to learn and use Welsh. We are very pleased that Gwent Police has joined our programmes.
Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh.
Here are photos of the tutor, Esther Attree, and some learners from Gwent Police.
