Strengthening Collaboration and Bilingualism in Education in Wales

New partnership to strengthen vocational training in Wales

Leading Welsh awarding body Agored Cymru has launched a new partnership with awarding organisation VTCT to promote wider educational opportunities for learners in Wales.

In response to recent education developments, which place an increased emphasis on apprenticeships and skills qualifications, and the Welsh Language Measure (Wales) 2011[1], the two organisations will work collaboratively to offer their centres an ‘integrated’ approach. 

Agored Cymru Essential Skills Wales qualifications will be linked with VTCT vocational qualifications. The organisations will also work together to expand opportunities for bilingual assessment, an undertaking in which Agored Cymru is already participating by investing in the development of Welsh Language qualifications.

Speaking at the launch event at Coleg y Cymoedd to celebrate this collaboration, Meri Huws, the Welsh Language Commissioner, congratulated this new partnership which will provide more opportunities for bilingual learners in Wales:

“The legislation creates more rights for the people of Wales to use the Welsh in their everyday lives.

“Further education plays a prominent part in preparing the workforce to provide services and train people to be able to work professionally in both languages.  This is especially true when considering the range of services that will need workers that possess Welsh language skills, like health and care, sport, and various administrative posts.“

Anne Lewis, Interim Chief Executive at Agored Cymru, said: “Agored Cymru has been at the forefront of providing customised bilingual qualifications for Wales for many years. 

I am very proud and excited about this partnership which will continue to strengthen and widen access to bilingual provision, and increase competition and centre choice for learners and providers throughout Wales.”

Alan Woods OBE, VTCT Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that VTCT and Agored Cymru will be working together to increase choice for our Welsh customers and strengthen our presence in Wales.

Their specialist skills will support us in offering a rounded package of qualifications to meet the needs of colleges and their learners.”

With more than 30 years of unparalleled experience and expertise in developing bilingual learning opportunities in Wales, Agored Cymru is proud to offer over 400 nationally recognised quality-assured qualifications across a wide range of subjects, from Personal & Social Education to Construction Multi-trades. Agored Cymru is committed to expanding opportunities for learners to study through the medium

of Welsh or bilingually. All of its qualifications are available in Welsh.

VTCT delivers qualifications to Welsh colleges and private training providers across a number of sectors, including beauty therapy, hairdressing and barbering, sports and active leisure, and hospitality.

Anne Lewis continues:” We are proud to be the awarding body of choice for education and training providers in Wales.

“We are committed to developing talent in Wales, for Wales.

“This partnership is just another way for us to show our commitment to Wales, the Welsh Language Agenda and the Welsh culture.”

[1] http://www.comisiynyddygymraeg.cymru/English/Commissioner/Law/The%20Welsh%20Language%20(Wales)%20Measure%202011/Pages/The-Welsh-Language-(Wales)-Measure-2011.aspx