Cadi Griffiths, a Nursery Practitioner at Si-lwli Nursery, has been named a winner of Educ8 Training’s Hoelen8 Awards in recognition of her outstanding commitment to promoting and utilising the Welsh language in the workplace. 

Currently completing her Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development Level 3 Apprenticeship, Cadi has demonstrated exceptional passion for Welsh-medium education, embedding the language naturally and confidently into both her professional practice and academic learning. 

A Hoelen 8 (plural: hoelion wyth) is a traditional Welsh idiom dating back to the late 19th century. Literally meaning “eight-inch nail,” it symbolises strength and durability long, strong nails used to build solid structures. Figuratively, it refers to an outstanding or eminent individual within an organisation or community.  

Cadi has been working at Si-lwli Nursery for nearly two years in a fully Welsh-speaking setting where child-led play is central to daily practice. Her journey into childcare was not a conventional one. After becoming a mother at 16 while still completing her GCSEs, Cadi balanced education, part-time work and parenting responsibilities.  

When an opportunity arose at the nursery she herself had attended as a child, she recognised it as a meaningful step forward for both her son and her own career. Her lived experience, resilience and determination have shaped her professional path and inspired her to pursue further qualifications. 

While the Level 3 qualification is a requirement within the sector, Cadi embraced it as an opportunity for growth rather than obligation. Cadi recently completed her Level 3 apprenticeship and received confirmation that she had successfully achieved her qualification.  

“I was really looking forward to it because I just want to take any opportunity I can get to get my qualifications because I didn’t manage to finish my A levels.” 

Her drive to continue learning is evident, and she has already expressed interest in progressing to Level 4 in the future.  

Cadi works in a Welsh nursery where the language forms part of everyday communication. 

“We’re a fluent Welsh nursery, so everything’s in Welsh.” 

Welsh is not only central to the setting, but also deeply personal to Cadi. She was brought up in a Welsh-speaking home, attended Welsh-medium education herself, and now has a young son in Welsh education. Her passion for the language is both cultural and professional.  

Flexible and learner-focused support from Educ8  

Cadi’s trainer coach, Kelly Clarke, nominated her for the Hoelen8 Award, highlighting that Cadi often completes her reflective logs in Welsh because she finds it easier to express her knowledge and understanding in her first language. She also frequently translates research into Welsh to better understand childcare terminology, demonstrating proactive learning and strong language awareness. 

When offered the opportunity to complete essential skills through the medium of Welsh, Cadi welcomed it to feel more at ease during assessment. This personalised support allowed her to perform confidently and authentically. 

Cadi speaks highly of the support she received throughout her apprenticeship, particularly from Kelly. 

“Kelly was amazing. She was so supportive.” 

During her qualification, Cadi experienced an ongoing knee issue which created uncertainty around her ability to complete the course if surgery became necessary. However, Educ8 worked flexibly to ensure she could continue progressing. 

Cadi also appreciated how her learning was adapted to suit her confidence levels. Rather than relying solely on face-to-face discussions, Kelly adjusted assessment methods to include PowerPoint presentations. 

This learner-centred approach enabled Cadi to succeed while building confidence in her own abilities.  

As a Hoelen8 winner, Cadi Griffiths represents strength, resilience and cultural pride. Through her commitment to Welsh language education and professional development, she is helping build strong foundations for the next generation. 

In a sector where language shapes identity and confidence, Cadi’s passion ensures that children not only learn through play but also grow within a thriving Welsh-speaking environment. 

To find out more about our childcare courses, please click here: Earn while you learn with Childcare apprenticeship in Wales