A new training scheme in childcare is set to shape the next generation of practitioners in the sector.

Coleg y Cymoedd in South Wales is launching its very first fully Welsh-language Level 2 childcare qualification, with enrolments opening for the autumn term of 2026.

Lois Moremon, who resides in Caerphilly, will deliver the course, which will take place at the college’s Nantgarw campus.

The programme aims to address the growing requirement for bilingual staff within early years education and care settings, particularly across South East Wales.

According to Ms Moremon, the early years sector offers an area where Welsh language abilities can bring about genuine change. She explained that many learners progress to employment in nurseries, early childhood settings and community initiatives where conversing with youngsters and families in Welsh carries substantial value. She highlighted that the qualification will provide participants with opportunities to acquire and strengthen their professional competencies through the medium of Welsh while simultaneously building confidence in using the language in real-world contexts, which supports access to future career opportunities.

The credential forms part of Coleg y Cymoedd’s wider strategy for promoting Welsh on campus and aligns with the Welsh Government’s ambition to reach one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

The college has also introduced various schemes to encourage everyday Welsh use among students and staff, including social spaces, language representative frameworks and engagement hubs.

An artificial intelligence tool is currently under development to assist learners in practising conversational Welsh and refining their pronunciation.

Jonathan Morgan, who serves as principal at Coleg y Cymoedd, explained that providing Welsh-medium vocational pathways at Level 2 will expand prospects for Welsh-speaking learners and contribute to developing a bilingual workforce across vital industries. He expressed that the college is honoured to be offering its inaugural completely Welsh-language vocational programme as part of its commitment to creating greater opportunities for Welsh language usage throughout the college.