Since 2021-2022 there has been an 11% increase in the number of people learning Welsh. Find out about the support available to help you on your journey to learn the language.
Benefits of learning Welsh
The Welsh Government has an ambition for a million people to be able to enjoy speaking and using Welsh by 2050. There’s no better time to start learning. Find out more about the Welsh Government's Cymraeg 2050.
Many places in Wales have a strong Welsh speaking tradition. Learning and speaking Welsh can help you explore and engage with your local community. You can enjoy Welsh language TV, radio, sport, music, and literature.
Here's what a Careers Wales member of staff said about their experience of learning Welsh:
I started learning Welsh 4 years ago in adult evening classes. It’s a great feeling to progress from recognising the odd word on the tv or radio to being able to understand a good bit of what’s said. It's been wonderful to meet other learners in and outside Wales - it’s a lovely community to be part of.
Sam, Caerphilly
Real life experiences of learning Welsh
Some of our staff are learning Welsh. Find out about their experiences.
James is one of our Careers Advisers. Find out James' top tips for learning Welsh.
Lauren is a Careers Adviser who's learning Welsh. Find out how Lauren is getting on.
Luisa is a Learning and Development Co-ordinator at Careers Wales. Find out Luisa's top tips to learning the language.
How can I learn Welsh?
Whether you are just starting or want to improve your Welsh, there are many options available to you. Did you know:
- 44% of Welsh learners learn virtually through online courses. (Source: Learn Welsh)
- Almost 17,000 people were taking Welsh language courses with the Learn Welsh programme in 2022-2023, an increase of 11% since 2021-2022
Please be aware that some of the courses below may incur costs. To help you learn Welsh you could:
- Find Learn Welsh courses near you. You could learn from home with online learning options. Look at the Learn Welsh website for more information
- Try Say Something in Welsh
- Use the Duolingo website or app
- Search for 'learn Welsh' on Course Search for different courses available in your area
- Find your local Menter Iaith on The Mentrau Iaith Strengthening the Welsh Language in the Community. Menter Iaith help people to enjoy using Welsh in their communities
- Visit the National Eisteddfod and experience Maes D (Dysgwyr - Learners)
- Look at the Welsh language courses in Nant Gwrtheyrn
- Check out the free courses available if you're between 18 and 25 on Dysgu Cymraeg
Welsh in the workplace
There were 19,362 online job postings specifically mentioning Welsh language as a required skill, as either desirable or essential. (Source: Lightcast April 2023 - May 2024)
Speaking Welsh in the workplace
Having Welsh language skills could lead to more job opportunities because:
- Some jobs advertised in Wales ask for Welsh as an essential or desirable skill
- All public sector organisations in Wales must provide Welsh language services. Welsh public services encourage workers to learn Welsh through continuing professional development (CPD)
- Welsh language skills may be essential for some jobs in sectors such as Health, Social Services and Social Care, Education, in the Public Services and the Creative Industries
- People will need to speak or be prepared to learn a basic ‘courtesy’ level of Welsh to get jobs with the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government are encouraging all staff to learn through training programmes
Dysgu Cymraeg offers free Welsh courses for the education workforce.
Cynnig Cymraeg is a week to celebrate businesses and charities that take pride in the Welsh language by offering Welsh language services to the public. Their recent survey found that:
- 94% of Welsh speakers feel that providing Welsh language service helps a company make a good impression
- 86% of the population in Wales feel that the Welsh language is something to be proud of
Read some of the blogs employers such as Lidl and the Principality have written about being recognised with the Welsh Language Commissioner's Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) for offering services to the public in Welsh. View the Cynnig Cymraeg blogs on the Welsh Language Commissioner's website.
Support for employers
Take a look at some of the ways employers can support their employees to learn Welsh in different ways:
- Work Welsh is a programme designed to strengthen Welsh language skills in the workplace. Work Welsh offers fully-funded relevant, flexible training. Find out more on Cymraeg Gwaith Work Welsh on the Learn Welsh website
- Helo Blod is a fast and friendly Welsh translation and advice service which offers free Welsh translation for your business. Look at Helo Blod on the Business Wales website
- Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) is recognition by the Commissioner and given to organisations that take pride in the Welsh language by offering Welsh language services to the public. Find out more about the Cynnig Cymraeg on the Welsh Language Commissioner's website
Watch the video
Welsh in the Workplace
Watch the video to find out about Welsh in the workplace and how it is seen as a key skill.
Please note: This video is in Welsh only with English captions.
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Explore some of the job options available when you study Welsh.
Use our course search to find a course that's right for you. Includes part time courses, short courses and community learning.
Explore the funding available in Wales for courses and training.
Find out more about what’s involved in adult and community education and where to find courses.
Find out about studying at home and in your own time. Get information on pros and cons and where to find courses.