Carmarthenshire County Council employee conducts research to strengthen Welsh speaking workforce
Sioned Raymond, who works for Carmarthenshire County Council, has undertaken research as part of her MA Professional Practice studies with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to explore how the number of Welsh-medium graduates and apprentices within the Council can be increased.
After finishing her undergraduate studies, Sioned was keen to continue her professional development whilst working in the public sector. She chose to study the MA Professional Practice because of the programme’s flexibility and its focus on career development, allowing her to combine academic learning with her day-to-day work experience.
She said:
“The opportunity to study alongside my job was particularly appealing, allowing me to develop professionally while continuing in my role.”
The course content was highly relevant to her work, with modules including Learning Plan, Research Methods, Project Management, Well-being of Future Generations (Wales), and a Work-based Project. The skills and knowledge gained through these modules have helped Sioned to develop a more strategic and reflective approach to her work.
As part of her dissertation, Sioned focused on ways to increase the number of Welsh-medium graduates and apprentices within the Council. Her aim was to examine the current system and the requirements for these posts, with a view to developing more effective methods of attracting Welsh-speaking candidates.
As she herself had been through the graduate scheme, she was keen to ensure that others were able to take advantage of the same opportunities. She said:
“I wanted others to have the great experiences and opportunities that the scheme offers. But by going through the programme, some gaps emerged in terms of recruitment of Welsh-medium employees.”
Brought up in and agricultural Welsh household, Sioned is passionate about the Welsh language and is aware of the challenges facing rural areas. She noted that census data shows that many young people are moving away, emphasising the need to promote the benefits of staying and working locally.
As part of her research, Sioned carried out questionnaires, focus groups and interviews with current and former Council graduates, university students across Wales, as well as other organisations such as Gwynedd Council, which run specific schemes for Welsh speakers. She added:
“I really enjoyed doing the research. A number of important recommendations emerged, and I look forward to presenting them to the Council’s learning and development team.”
In addition to her research, the course has had a significant impact on her personal and professional development. She now manages a number of projects and panels, applying the skills she developed during the programme directly into her work.
“The course has helped me to develop more confidence in my ability to make decisions, take the lead on projects and actively contribute to the team’s work. I feel more confident in my role and more willing to step up to new opportunities.”
The course has also strengthened her contemplation and reflection skills, enabling her to improve her day-to-day practice.
She praised the support she received from the University’s Professional Practice Framework team.
“Working with the team was a very positive experience. They were very supportive and professional, explaining the steps clearly and providing constructive feedback.”
Sarah Loxdale, the University’s Professional Practice Framework Senior Lecturer, said:
“Sioned’s research clearly shows how postgraduate studies can have a direct impact on the workplace. By exploring ways to strengthen the Welsh workforce, she has made a valuable contribution that is very relevant to the needs of public organisations today.”
Lowri Harris, Programme Manager and Senior Lecturer on the Professional Practice Framework at UWTSD added:
“Sioned’s work is a great example of how the MA Professional Practice enables students to combine their work experience with academic learning to create meaningful change. We are very proud of her success and the ways her research supports the development of the Welsh workforce.”
Sioned would encourage others to consider claiming experiential learning as part of their professional development.
“It’s an effective way to recognise and value work experience and convert it into a recognised formal qualification.”
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476