Report on the Welsh language skills needs of employers welcomed
30 Apr 2014 03:44 PM
The publication of a new
report which provides a valuable insight into the current and future Welsh
language skills needs of employers in Wales, has been welcomed by First
Minister, Carwyn Jones, and Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken
Skates
Commissioned by the Welsh
Government, the report is based on the findings of a survey of over 4,000
employers across Wales in eight key sectors - Childcare, Social care, Creative
industries, Financial and professional services, Retail, Construction,
Hospitality and Agrifood.
The findings provide the Welsh
Government with an understanding of the current and future Welsh language
skills needs of employers in Wales. The information will be used to ensure
there are sufficient people in the workforce able to meet Welsh language demand
and that employers are aware of the benefits of the Welsh language and
promoting this wherever possible.
The survey found that in general
there was a positive attitude from employers towards the Welsh language, with
66% of those surveyed saying they already employ staff with Welsh language
skills.
While it found that very few
employers reported difficulties in filling posts that required Welsh language
skills, the majority of employers said they had never sought Welsh language
training opportunities for their employees.
It also showed vast difference
in attitudes both regionally and in different sectors, with employers in North
Wales and those within childcare most likely to feel Welsh language skills are
important.
The First Minister
said:
"We know that the link
between the economy and the language is a key element in securing the
language’s future and the findings of this survey will help inform both
the support we provide for businesses and future employees.
"We want people to be able
to live their day-to-day lives in Welsh and to achieve this we must have people
in the workforce who are confident in using their Welsh. We will use the
survey’s findings to help us plan post-16 training accordingly, for
example providing more apprenticeships through the medium of Welsh so that
young people can continue their training in Welsh in preparation for working
life.
"We will also continue to
work with employers to promote the advantages of the language to the companies
themselves, as well as their customers and staff. Currently there are not
enough opportunities for employees to use or learn Welsh, this is something we
have to change. Welsh language is a valuable skill and specific language
training relevant to the workplace should be encouraged."
Deputy Minister for Skills and
Technology, Ken Skates said:
"It’s vital that we
make our employers aware of the benefits of Welsh in the workplace and also
make it as easy possible for people to use Welsh in their day-to-day working
lives – whatever their ability.
"We are taking practical
steps to try and address this through our Policy Statement on Skills – a
new 10 year plan to create a more highly-skilled Wales. As part of this, we
want to introduce a new Skills Gateway which will support employers to identify
and take action on the skills of their workforce, for example highlighting the
potential business benefits associated with Welsh language
skills.
"We are currently
consulting on how the Welsh Government and employers co-invest in skills
development. This could mean, for example, changing the level of investment
needed from an employer if a qualification is seen to have a positive impact on
the use of Welsh. The consultation closes on 16th May.
"I would encourage everyone
with an interest in skills delivery and the Welsh language to take part in the
consultation. Their views are crucial if we’re to develop a sustainable,
effective and practical approach to promoting Welsh in the
workplace."