• Eryri VIP team members from National Grid and its appointed contractor, Hochtief UK, have been learning Welsh through the Learn Welsh centre.
• Lessons are arranged through Learn Welsh North West based at Bangor University.
• The scheme is funded through the Welsh Government to support businesses that promote the Welsh Language.

National Grid’s Eryri VIP project is demonstrating its commitment to the local community and culture in North Wales by encouraging those working on the project to learn Welsh.

Staff from National Grid as well as from Hochtief UK, the appointed contractor on the Eryri VIP project, started Welsh language lessons in September 2022. 11 employees are currently taking the classes, adding to the seven members of the team who are already fluent Welsh speakers, many of whom live locally.

Arranged through Learn Welsh North West (Dysgu Cymraeg Gogledd-Orllewin) based at Bangor University, the lessons are free of charge and are funded through the Welsh Government, which runs the scheme to support businesses to promote the Welsh Language.

Learn Welsh North West provides Welsh language courses at all levels in Gwynedd, Conwy and Anglesey on behalf of the National Welsh Learning Centre, which is responsible for all aspects of the Learning Welsh sector – from the curriculum and resources for tutors, to research, marketing, communication and e-learning.

Dr Ifor Gruffydd, Director, Learn Welsh North West, said:

“National Grid and Hochtief UK are two great examples of firms truly demonstrating their commitment to respecting the social and cultural fabric of the areas in which they work.

“Thanks to funding from Welsh Government, our tutors are able to work with the private sector to offer tailored, focused support to enable staff to learn Welsh in their own environment.

“The Eryri VIP team has been learning since September and has already made amazing progress. The learners tell us that they able to converse with increasing confidence as they work and socialise in the community.”

Steve Ellison, National Grid Senior Project Manager for Eryri VIP, said:

“The Visual Impact Provision project in Eryri National Park aims to reduce the visual impact of National Grid’s overhead line across the Dwyryd Estuary.

“Stakeholders have been at the heart of the project throughout, and the scheme has been designed and refined with the advice of local experts and community representatives.

“Respecting the local culture wherever we work is one of our core values and making Welsh classes available to our project team is an important part of that. We’re grateful to Learn Welsh North West, who have been extremely supportive and have made the classes practical, approachable and a lot of fun for our team.”