DAVID Thomas and Gwilym Morgan, inspired by their Welsh learning journey, are now tutors with Learn Welsh Pembrokeshire.

After following the Tutors of Tomorrow (Tiwtoriaid Yfory) course in 2025 – a scheme run by the National Centre for Learning Welsh to introduce students to working as a tutor in the Learn Welsh sector – David and Gwilym now work as tutors with Learn Welsh Pembrokeshire, run by Pembrokeshire County Council on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh.

David began learning Welsh in 2016 after moving back to Wales, to Carmarthenshire, following a period living and working in London. David won the Welsh Learner of the Year award at the AmGen Eisteddfod in 2021. David teaches face-to-face classes, including an intensive entry-level course for beginners in Pembrokeshire, and an entry course in Carmarthen.

David says, "As someone who learned Welsh as an adult, and who has benefited from learning the language in my personal life and in my bilingual business, I see the Welsh language as an entry ticket to the whole culture of Wales. Learning Welsh has changed my life, and the language and its future are so important.

"I know what it feels like to be in the classroom. Being able to introduce the Welsh language to people who are new to it – with the hope of giving them a positive experience and encouraging them to continue with the language – is a special feeling."

Gwilym began learning Welsh as a second language at his English-medium secondary school. Gwilym is now studying Welsh at Cardiff University and teaches an intensive Entry-level course online, for four hours a week. Winning the Learners’ Medal at the Carmarthenshire Urdd Eisteddfod in 2023 also gave him the boost and confidence to set up his own business, GM Notebooks.

Gwilym says, "Because of my background, and having learned Welsh myself, a job teaching Welsh to adults was very appealing.

"It's wonderful to get to know other people through teaching. I know my class very well now, and it's a lot of fun teaching them the language. I really enjoy my job, and it’s great that I can combine tutoring alongside my studies."

More than 20,000 people are now learning Welsh - and 12 per cent increase on the previous year, according to new data published recently. In 2024-2025, 4,110 of learners were aged 16-24.

Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said: “We’re delighted with these latest figures, which show consistent, steady growth in the number of people learning Welsh.

“We’re especially encouraged by the growth in the number of young people completing our courses. We’ve developed tailored provision for this age group and our partnerships with organisations such as the Urdd enable us to create meaningful opportunities for young people across Wales.

“We’re proud of every one of our learners, who are engaged and eager to use their Welsh, and of the more than 500 dedicated tutors who support them in communities and workplaces across Wales.”