TWO INITIATIVES have been launched by north Wales-based, Ateb at the National Eisteddfod this year to promote the use of Welsh in business and across the public sector.
Since it was established in 2016, Ateb has helped clients comply with the Welsh language standards and provided communications and community engagement services.
The two new services, however, will expand the company’s ability to promote bilingualism and facilitate use of Welsh in the workplace. The Welsh Language Commissioner, Efa Gruffudd, will officially launch both new services on the maes.
Porta is a bilingual e-learning platform, The first of its kind to be provided by a commercial business, it offers training across various subjects, including health and safety, data protection, and language awareness.
Cyfateb is a recruitment service that matches Welsh speakers of all levels to jobs that suit their ability. Individuals can create a profile describing themselves, their qualifications and experience, and their Welsh language skills, ranging from basic conversation to full professional proficiency. Potential employers can then search for candidates with suitable level of language ability to build a bilingual workforce.
According to Efa Gruffudd Jones: “I am pleased to support Ateb as they launch these two new services to promote bilingualism in the workplace.
“Ensuring that the Welsh language is used regularly and naturally is one of my priorities when trying to ensure that there are opportunities for people to be able to use the language in their everyday life.”
According to Ateb directors, both initiatives are exciting but natural steps in the company’s development.
Llinos Iorwerth said: “We have created these new services as a direct result of demand from our clients. There was a clear gap for a bilingual training platform, and Porta meets that demand, while it has also become clear that clients need support to recruit staff with the appropriate level of Welsh skills.”
Rhys Evans added: “Porta will be unique in terms of the bilingual offer, and we’re very excited about Cyfateb too, which works like a ‘dating app’ – with looking for a job like searching for a partner online!”
“Ateb’s aim has always been to facilitate the use of Welsh. By expanding our offer, we can do more to put the Welsh language at the heart of organisations and businesses across Wales.”
