Welsh language students gain work experience at MTCBC

In August and September 2019, two-degree students from Merthyr Tydfil studying Geography partially through the medium of Welsh at Swansea University spent two weeks work placement in the Welsh Language Policy Unit of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

Katie Phillips and Hannah Smith were awarded a bursary from Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol to study part of their degree course through the medium of Welsh, where they are required to undertake work placement in a bilingual organisation.

Katie and Hannah are from Merthyr Tydfil and former pupils of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Santes Tudful and Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun and are currently in their final year of study at Swansea University. 

Katie and Hannah gained a wide variety of experiences to include working in the Democratic Service Team, Information Communication Technology Team, Human Resources and the Welsh Language Policy Unit.  Whilst working in the Welsh Language Policy Unit Hannah and Katie undertook various projects to ensure that the Council complies with the Welsh Language Standards, this included providing support for piloting various Welsh Language Projects for staff of the council and assisting with the supporting events, which took place on Diwrnod SHWMAE SU’MAE.  

Merthyr Tydfil CBC’s Change and Performance Manager, said: “The Council benefited immensely from Katie and Hannah undertaking work experience where they experienced a number of roles across different services supporting the provision of Welsh language services to the community. Their work experience included proof-reading the Council’s website providing assurance on the provision of bilingual services to the public.

“We thank all partners involved in supporting Katie and Hannah undertaking work experience at the Council and look forward to welcoming further students in the near future to provide opportunities for individuals to experience work opportunities through the medium of Welsh”.

Adam Jones the Work Business Development Officer for Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, said: “As a college we encourage students to recognise their bilingual skills by applying for jobs and the advantages available for work placement opportunities.  We are extremely grateful to Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council for their willingness to offer good work placements to students to connect the Welsh language in professional situations” 

The Welsh Language Policy Unit at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council encourages degree students to contact them if they wish to gain experience of working on Welsh Language Policy. Click here for further information: https://www.merthyr.gov.uk/resident/jobs-and-training/work-experience/