The FSW 2003 Generic Skills Survey asked about the level of Welsh language skills required by employers, along with the other generic skills such as communication skills, team working and management. The findings were very helpful but led to many more questions – such as what specific types of Welsh language skills were required. For example, when Welsh is required in a role, is this in terms of speaking, reading or writing, and is it required on a daily basis or only for specific tasks? Also, do the employers who require Welsh language skills feel that the current education and training provision available is appropriate for their needs?
Future Skills Wales Manager Joanne Corke said:
“This is the first time that employers have been surveyed on this scale about their more detailed needs in terms of Welsh language skills. The Generic Skills Survey told us that many employers consider having staff able to communicate in Welsh to be a benefit to their organisation. In order to encourage the development of these skills, individuals need to be aware of the jobs where these skills are required and learning providers need to know more about the specific skills that are needed. This survey will provide information that can be used by careers advisors, providers and policy makers across Wales.”
This follow-on survey will involve 2,000 employers across Wales and will focus particularly on employers from those industries which stated a need for people with at least intermediate level Welsh language skills during the 2003 Survey. The interviews will be carried out during October and November 2004 and the project report will be available on the publications section of this website in Spring 2005.
The project is designed to be used alongside the project that was recently undertaken by ELWa, interviewing employers from the public sector, and therefore the FSW survey will involve private sector employers only. Please click on the following link to download a copy of the ELWa project report: www.elwa.org.uk
