Rhian Owen, a learner on the Children’s Care, Play Learning and Development Level 3 Apprenticeship with Educ8 Training, has been named a winner of Educ8’s Hoelen8 Award, recognising her outstanding commitment to developing and using the Welsh language in the workplace.
A Hoelen8 (plural: hoelion wyth) is a historic Welsh idiom dating back to the late 19th century. Literally meaning “eight-inch nail”, it refers to something long, strong and used to build solid structures. Figuratively, it describes an eminent or outstanding member of an organisation or society.
An Unexpected Career Change
Rhian has been in her role as a childcare assistant for a year and a half. Her day-to-day responsibilities include supporting children through activities, developing their skills and to most importantly, have fun.
However, childcare wasn’t always part of her plan; with a background primarily in admin roles, Rhian described herself as someone who prefers to be hands-on. During lockdown, while raising her two children, she regularly attended a playgroup where a job opportunity arose next door at the local setting.
Encouraged to apply despite not being qualified and not speaking Welsh at the time, she decided to take a leap of faith and got the job. That decision has since grown into a meaningful career supported by professional development through Educ8 Training.
Progressing Through the Childcare Level 3 Apprenticeship
Rhian began her apprenticeship journey straight away, initially completing her Level 2 before progressing to the Level 3 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development qualification, which she started this year.
For Rhian, learning is a genuine passion, “I like to learn. It went hand in hand that I had to do it for the job that I was doing and that I’d like to progress anyway.”
She particularly enjoys understanding the theory behind practice, exploring child development, safeguarding, and the science of how children learn and grow.
“The interesting parts when you go back into the brain and understand how even being inside the room, how the brain develops and then, how it’s nature and nurture, that affects child’s play.”
A Passion for the Welsh Language
What makes Rhian’s journey especially inspiring, and what led to her Hoelen8 nomination by Trainer Coach Kelly Clarke, is her exceptional commitment to developing her Welsh language skills.
When she first started, she had very limited Welsh. Now, she carries out daily activities with children using Welsh as much as possible.
She began by picking up basic phrases from fluent colleagues and using Duolingo at home to support her children, who attend Welsh-medium school. But she quickly progressed beyond the basics, engaging in further learning and fully immersing herself in the Welsh-speaking environment of her workplace.
“It really helps being in a setting to speak Welsh, to hear it all the time, to pick up new words constantly.”
External professionals visiting the setting have even commented on how much her Welsh has progressed, a testament to her dedication.
Recognised as a Hoelen8 champion
Rhian was nominated for the Hoelen 8 Award by her Trainer Coach, Kelly Clarke, who praised her commitment to developing her Welsh language skills from basic to foundation level.
Kelly highlighted Rhian’s passion for learning Welsh to better support the children in her care and increase their knowledge and use of the language. Since starting her apprenticeship, Rhian has grown significantly in confidence and now integrates Welsh into daily activities wherever possible.
By embracing the Welsh language so wholeheartedly, Rhian is strengthening not only her own skills but also helping to preserve and promote the language within early years education.
Building Solid Foundations
As a Hoelen8 winner, Rhian Owen represents everything the award stands for, strength, commitment and contribution.
Through her Childcare, Play and Learning Development Level 3 Apprenticeship, she is building solid foundations for the children she supports, championing the Welsh language in the workplace, and proving that with passion and perseverance, growth is always possible.
To find out more about our Childcare, Play and Learning Development apprenticeships, click here: Earn while you learn with Childcare apprenticeship in Wales
