Welsh Language takes centre stage at Careers Events

Following on from the highly successful and engaging launch of the Business Education Together Partnership in January, the opportunities of engaging businesses and employers with schools continues to increase with two incredibly successful events held over the last couple of weeks.

Firstly, Afon Taf High School worked in partnership with the BETP to hold a ‘Hidden Jobs Day’ on February 26th.

Ten employers took the time to expose Year 8 pupils to a wide range of career options in different sectors. This kind of early exposure to various careers can be incredibly beneficial for young individuals as they start considering their future paths. It's great to see these efforts being made to help students make informed choices about their future careers.

One of the pupils commented that the day had made him want to go to college.

Many Thanks to all of the employers who attended this insightful event:

Another fantastic day was held at The College for the Pen-y-Dre cluster, Ysgol Rhyd y Grug and Ysgol Santes Tydfil Careers Day in March. We were thrilled to have over 20 employers join us for a careers fair aimed at primary school pupils. It was also wonderful to see 6 employers lead bilingual workshops highlighting the advantages of the Welsh language in the workplace. With Cymraeg 2050, giving the ambition for 1 million Welsh speakers, it was fantastic to be able to showcase the benefits of bilingualism and the increasing need within the workplace.

Owen from Morgan Sindall commented, “Pupils asked some really great questions and were really focused.”

Sam Hoyland from JNP Legal said, “It was such a great event.”

Students had the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities such as 3D printing, clay modelling, and virtual welding, which was a great experience for them.

The behaviour and focus of all the pupils were exemplary, leaving a lasting impression on the employers, while raising awareness of curriculum opportunities in the college and enabling pupils to think about the pathways available to them in future years. With careers work related education a mandatory element of Curriculum for Wales, it is vital that children and young people have their eyes opened to the world of work! Events such as this, are not possible without the Business Education Together Partnership. Together, we are raising aspirations across Merthyr Tydfil.

Thank you to all of the employers who attended the event and contributed to the workshops:

Thank you to all the workshop employers who also attended the event:

Cllr Geraint Thomas, Cabinet Member for Education commented, “We were pleased to welcome so many local and national employers to this year's Careers Fair and to see so many students taking advantage of the opportunity to forge invaluable connections. Exposing children and young people to the advantages of learning Welsh, and the need in the workplace, was also a great experience for them, as well as supporting us as a Borough in contributing to 1 million Welsh speakers.

"The amazing numbers we saw this year demonstrate the determination of our students and we're already looking forward to the next Fair!"