Welsh Language Skills on Job Applications: How to Answer (Even If You Don’t Speak Welsh)

Apply for almost any public sector job in Wales and you’ll be asked about your Welsh language skills. Lots of people panic at this question, or leave it blank. You don’t need to be fluent to answer it well.

Most jobs don’t require Welsh

Councils, health boards, schools, colleges and the Welsh Government all have to plan for services in Welsh, so they ask everyone about their skills. But most jobs list Welsh as desirable, not essential.

In 2025–26, Cardiff Council advertised 1,247 jobs. Only 35 of them needed Welsh as an essential skill. Another 560 listed it as desirable, and 652 had no Welsh requirement at all.

Essential, desirable or not needed: what it means for you

• Welsh essential: the advert will say which level you need. If you aren’t at that level, you usually can’t be shortlisted, unless the advert says you can reach it with training after you start.
• Welsh desirable: you can apply without any Welsh. Having some skills, or being willing to learn, can help you stand out.
• Not needed: answer the question honestly and move on.

Some employers ask all new staff to learn a little Welsh. The Welsh Government, for example, expects new staff to reach a basic courtesy level, such as answering the phone bilingually. Check the job pack.

How the levels work

Most forms ask you to rate four skills separately: understanding (listening), speaking, reading and writing. Many Welsh public bodies use a five-level scale, sometimes numbered 1 to 5 and sometimes named Entry, Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced and Proficiency. Some use the European A1 to C2 scale instead.

Each employer describes its own levels, but roughly:

• None: no Welsh.
• Level 1, Entry: a few words and phrases, such as greetings and thank you; you can pronounce names and place names.
• Level 2, Foundation: a short, simple conversation about familiar things, slowly.
• Level 3, Intermediate: a simple work conversation, switching to English for complicated things; reading routine material; writing a short message that a fluent speaker would check.
• Level 4, Advanced: confident in most work situations, with a few gaps.
• Level 5, Proficiency: fluent, including formal writing.

Always use the descriptions on your form, because they differ between employers.

How to choose your level honestly

• Rate each skill on its own. Many people understand more than they can speak, or can read signs but not write.
• Don’t overrate yourself. If Welsh matters for the job, it may be tested at interview.
• Don’t underrate yourself either. Welsh from school, or from helping your children with homework, still counts.
• If you’re between two levels, choose the lower one. Explain in your statement if it helps.

What to write in your supporting statement

If Welsh is desirable, include a sentence or two, especially if the person specification mentions it.

If you don’t speak any Welsh

“I don’t currently speak Welsh, but I understand the importance of offering services in Welsh. I would make sure Welsh speakers could be helped in their chosen language by knowing who to pass them to, and I would welcome the chance to learn basic Welsh through workplace courses.”

If you have some Welsh

“I have Entry-level Welsh from school. In my current job I greet customers bilingually and can pronounce Welsh names and place names correctly. I’m keen to improve and would like to work towards Foundation level.”

If you’re learning

Say what course you’re on and what level you’re aiming for. It shows commitment, which panels value.

These are examples only. Write about what’s true for you.

Can you apply in Welsh?

Yes. Public bodies in Wales accept applications in Welsh, and they must not treat them less favourably than applications in English. Only do this if you’re comfortable writing in Welsh, and remember the interview may then be in Welsh too.

Free ways to learn Welsh

• Learn Welsh (learnwelsh.cymru), run by the National Centre for Learning Welsh, has courses for all levels, including online beginner courses.
• Work Welsh is a fully funded scheme for people already working for employers in Wales, often during working hours. Ask your manager or HR team.

Related guides

Applying to a health board? Read how to write an NHS supporting statement on Trac. New to supporting statements? Start with how to write a supporting statement.

A note on my service: I help people write applications in English. I can help you describe your Welsh skills clearly and honestly in an English application, but I don’t write or check applications in Welsh.