Cabinet Secretary for Education signs up for new online Welsh course
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams, has signed up for a new online Welsh language course, which is being launched at the National Eisteddfod in Anglesey this Thursday, 10 August.
The free, 10-hour course is part of the ‘Work Welsh’ learning programme, a new initiative to strengthen Welsh language skills in the workplace, developed by the National Centre for Learning Welsh.
The course, which aims to give beginners a taste of the language, introduces simple phrases and basic vocabulary. It can be accessed from electronic devices at work or at home and followed at a time to suit learners.
Residential and intensive Welsh courses are also part of the fully-funded ‘Work Welsh’ programme, which supports learners at different levels, whether beginners or more experienced speakers
Kirsty Williams says:
“The ‘Work Welsh’ programme offers exciting new opportunities for employees in different sectors to learn and improve their Welsh. I’m delighted to be among the first in Wales to follow the new online course.
“I’m looking forward to being able to put my new skills into practice, both in work and at home.”
Efa Gruffudd Jones, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, adds:
“‘Work Welsh’ offers a package of flexible, fully-funded Welsh language learning courses which can be tailored to the needs of different sectors and individual workplaces.
“We’re delighted Kirsty is leading the way at the Welsh Government, by signing up for this online course, which is already proving popular with workplaces across Wales.”
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BT first private sector company to register for Work Welsh
BT Cymru/Wales is the first private sector organisation to sign up for the ‘Work Welsh’ scheme.
A tailored programme of Welsh language courses will be made available to BT Cymru/Wales’ 4,000 employees, including full and part-time intensive courses, five-day residential courses and the 10-hour online course.
Alwen Williams, director for BT Cymru Wales, says:
“BT has a significant presence in Wales and we’re delighted to be the first major employer to work with the National Centre for Learning Welsh on this new programme, which will support employees’ professional development and strengthen the use of Welsh in our workplaces across the country.
“As an organisation it’s important that we represent our customers in Wales and being able to provide a Welsh language service is a natural part of that. By giving our colleagues the opportunity to learn Welsh we’re not only giving BT employees an opportunity to develop a valuable new skill we’re also further improving customer service.”
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Editor’s notes
- Following the Welsh Government’s announcement in October 2016 that up to £3m would be included in the 2017-2018 budget for developing plans to support learning Welsh in the workplace, the National Centre for Learning Welsh introduced the ‘Work Welsh’ programme.
- As part of the ‘Work Welsh’ programme, there is also an emphasis on raising the confidence of people who already speak Welsh but who feel unsure about using the language in a work context. An employer’s information service is also included, with advice on skills assessment, as well as an after-care scheme.
- 48 employers have already registered for the online ‘Work Welsh’ course; 1,000 employees are expected to complete the course over the next few months.
More information on ‘Work Welsh’ is available here
