Learning about the difference Urdd is making across Wales

WITH more learners than ever before registering to compete in this year's Urdd Eisteddfod, the youth organisation took the opportunity on the third day of the event at Margam Park, Port Talbot, to celebrate new Welsh speakers.

- By IAN LEWIS

The Urdd's commitment to supporting Welsh learners in the work place was also marked. With 416 members of staff, the Urdd is one of the largest Welsh language employers and the main provider of apprenticeships through the medium of Welsh within the third sector in Wales.

Figures show that 43% of the Urdd’s workforce is under 25 years old, and the organisation takes pride in offering staff opportunities to develop professionally through the medium of Welsh.

Urdd Gobaith Cymru’s apprenticeship department is a leading provider of apprenticeships within the post-16 education sector in Wales, specialising in Welsh and bilingual apprenticeships in sport, leisure, outdoor education, childcare, education and youth sectors.

The apprenticeship department’s key achievements over the past decade include training of over 600 apprentices, working in partnership with more than 80 employers on a yearly basis, and enabling 400 individuals to acquire Essential Skills Qualifications.

As part of a partnership between the Urdd and the National Centre for Learning Welsh, a Learn Welsh training programme has been implemented to support the youth organisation’s aim of attracting a diverse workforce, and further engagement with new audiences across the whole of Wales.

The training includes support from a tutor at the National Centre for Learning Welsh as part of the partnership between both organisations.