Welsh medium apprenticeships help keep the language ‘alive’ says language ambassador
A young award-winning apprentice has stressed the importance of Welsh medium apprenticeships that help keep the language and the traditions of Wales “alive.”
Welsh speaker Ifan Wyn Phillips from Crymych in Pembrokeshire is working towards an Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation through EAL, delivered bilingually by Pembrokeshire College, having completed his Foundation Apprenticeship in 2021.
His passion for promoting bilingual apprenticeships has led to his appointment for a third year as an Apprenticeship Ambassador by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and the National Training Federation of Wales (NTfW).
The 21-year-old is also a Welsh language ambassador for Pembrokeshire College.
He won the William Salesbury Further Education and Apprenticeship Award at Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’s Annual Awards in 2021.
The award recognises the contribution of a learner or apprentice to Welsh language life and culture within a further education college or apprenticeship provider.
Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol leads the development of Welsh medium and bilingual education and training in the post-compulsory sector in Wales and the NTfW represents work-based learning providers across Wales.
Ifan’s ambassadorial role has included talking to secondary school children at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli about his job and the benefits of apprenticeships.
He also takes part in Instagram Takeovers organised by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and the NTfW during the annual Apprenticeship Week in Wales.
Important
“I enjoy helping to promote Welsh medium and bilingual apprenticeships and it was nice to receive the award from Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol for the work I do,” he said.
“I think it’s very important to advertise and promote the language to get as many people as possible to learn through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.
“It keeps the language and traditions alive and helps the Welsh Government to reach its target of achieving one million Welsh speakers by 2050.”
Ifan is the third generation to join the family business, D. E. Phillips and Sons Ltd, electrical contractors, which was established by his grandfather in Pembrokeshire. He works on residential, commercial and agricultural properties.
He chose to follow the apprenticeship pathway into the family business as university didn’t appeal to him. “I prefer to work with my hands and the apprenticeship is an opportunity to work, learn and get paid,” he explained.
Pembrokeshire College is helping Ifan and fellow Welsh speaking learners to continue their learning in their first language.
A Welsh speaking member of staff assists in reviews and provides opportunities for learners to speak Welsh.
Janice Morgan, the college’s Welsh language development officer, has taken on an extra role as bilingual support tutor, funded by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
“Ifan continues to be a fantastic Welsh language ambassador for the college and grabs every opportunity which is reflected in the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol award that he won,” said Janice. “His confidence has grown since he became a Welsh Language Ambassador.”
Confidence
Lisa Mytton, the NTfW’s strategic director, said: “Many workplaces are becoming more bilingual, so completing an apprenticeship bilingually or in Welsh can increase an individual’s confidence to work in both languages and their employability.
“Our Apprenticeship Ambassadors are excellent role models for apprenticeships, highlighting the benefits of learning and working bilingually in the workplace.”
Elin Williams, from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, said: “This is the third year running that we have appointed ambassadors for the apprenticeship sector, and we think this is a vital tool in showing people that it is possible to continue with your bilingual learning through the apprenticeship route.
“With the Welsh Government’s target to reach one million Welsh speakers by 2050, it has never been more important to develop your bilingual skills and increase your employability prospects.”
The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
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All well and good, however there are far more pressing matters, people are actually suffering and even dying because of the lack of funding of the NHS and a lot of money is being spent on keeping the Welsh Language alive. Priorities?
This was a story about a young adult, and his community, investing in his training and hence in his future and that of his community. In so far as there was anything financial in this, it is simply that we are reading of investment now which will created future wealth: both fiscal and social wealth and well-being. The NHS, like motherhood and apple pie, is of course a good thing and to be supported. And, further, I can sympathise with Mr Davis general point, of the need for (greatly) improved funding for our NHS. My one point of difference with… Read more »
£45,000,000 a year of investment in the Welsh Language is the reason. It is too much when Ill people are suffering and the impoverished using food banks.
Da iawn Ifan, rwyt yn haeddu pob clod am dy frwdfrydedd i gynnal ein iaith. Byddid hefyd yn elwa o allu gweithio a chynnal busnes drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Rwy’n gwybod o brofiad bod pobol yn gwerthfawogi bod gweithwyr sy’n siarad yr un iaith a nhw yn teimlo eu bod yn gallu ymddiried mewn busnesau lleol.