CollegesWales creates Director of Bilingualism post

The ColegauCymru / CollegesWales association has furthered its dedication to bilingualism in FE with the creation of a role to manage growing Welsh language provision.

Catrin Stephens, who joins after six years of working to provide Welsh language resources and training in the workplace with charitable company Acen, has been appointed to the newly created post of Director of Bilingualism.

Reiterating the importance of bilingualism in Welsh FE, John Graystone, chief executive of ColegauCymru, said: “Progressing from school to college, from college to university and from college into the workplace is a key issue for learners who wish to develop their Welsh language skills.”

ColegauCymru, a national education charity representing all 21 FE colleges and institutions in Wales, exists to raise the profile of the sector and to improve the opportunities for learners in the country.

Graystone added: “Colleges are constantly seeking opportunities to improve and to work collaboratively to benefit learners. Catrin’s appointment by ColegauCymru forms part of the Further Education sector’s national-level response to the need to improve Welsh-medium and bilingual education and training.

“Catrin brings with her significant experience in developing new services, responding to client demand, and as a teacher of Welsh in the workplace. I am confident that her blend of creativity and responsiveness will serve the colleges well and I very much look forward to seeing her make her mark in this newly created post.”

Commenting on her new role, Stephens said: “This is a particularly exciting time to start working with FE colleges. The colleges are cleverly very eager to develop their Welsh medium and bilingual capacity. I am looking forward to working with all of the colleges’ key partners, including schools, higher education institutions and employers.”

Mark Astley