In October 2018, University of Wales Trinity Saint David launched a new language centre offering a range of services related to the Welsh language.
With a team of experienced language experts, Rhagoriaith, the University’s Welsh language services center, will offer language training services on both commercially and internally to Trinity Saint David’s staff and students.
Rhagoriaith already provides and moderates the National Welsh Language Sabbatical Scheme courses for teachers and classroom assistants that is funded by the Welsh Government. These courses are a key part of the Government’s strategic plans and contribute directly to increasing the number of teachers that are able to introduce Welsh in schools across Wales.
Rhagoriaith offer language training for many other key work sectors. The centre recently developed and piloted courses in the early years sector for childminders and nursery workers across Wales. It will also offer language training for Social Care sector workers across Wales in collaboration with Cambria College over the next few weeks.
Rhagoriaith also offers two completely unique courses in Translation and Subtitling. The Subtitling postgraduate certificate is offered through a partnership with S4C and is an exciting development for the Centre with the relocation of S4C to Carmarthen. Similarly, the postgraduate certificate in Translation is key to the development of the Welsh language as a living language that individuals can insist on, and this is the only training offered in Wales that is officially recognised by the Association Welsh Translators.
Internally, Rhagoriaith is already implementing a programme of language courses for University staff by offering a Welsh in the Work programme to its staff and will have a key role in implementing the organisation’s Welsh Language Standards over the coming years.
Dr Lowri Lloyd, Rhagoriaith Director said, “This opportunity is very exciting at a significant point in time with the Government’s goal of creating a million speakers by 2050. There are opportunities for the Center to directly support that vision and we look forward to this challenge, and to work with a wide range of partners to achieve the goal. ”
Gwilym Dyfri Jones, Pro Vice Associate Chancellor with responsibility for the Welsh language, said: “In establishing Rhagoriaith, the University confirms its commitment to the Welsh language, and to the growth of Welsh-medium education. Rhagoriaith will take a key role in training University staff in accordance with the requirements of the Welsh Language Standards. It will also offer linguistic support on a number of degree courses and other key training programmes across all campuses. ”
Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said,
“Trinity Saint David is one of the leading providers of Welsh medium
higher education and our reputation in this area has attracted many
Welsh national institutions to collaborate with us. Our strategy is
exciting and offers a range of opportunities for individuals, companies
and organisations to develop their ability through the medium of Welsh.
Rhagoriaith will have a key role to play in the workforce’s upskilling
in Wales “.