Enterprise launches a Welsh language learning programme
Enterprise recently launched a Welsh language learning programme open to all employees working across its operations in Wales.
DRIVE spoke to Replacement Account Manager Kimberley Lewis and Regional Sales Director James Goodall to learn more about the programme and understand the importance of learning to speak Welsh.
Appropriate use of language is a growing aspect of building an inclusive culture. Respect and inclusion can be demonstrated in the words used to describe activities, projects, team and career opportunities.
Does this extend to embracing and encouraging other languages?
This is one of the reasons why language is such an important component for life in Enterprise’s operations across Wales.
“Speaking Welsh is at the heart of Welsh identity,” said Kimberley Lewis, Replacement Account Manager. “It helps to strengthen our business and recognise our social responsibility in the many communities that we serve here.”
“Speaking Welsh is at the heart of Welsh identity”
Enterprise opened its first branch in Wales more than 25 years ago in Cardiff. The network has now expanded to 17 locations and Enterprise offers the largest vehicle rental fleet in the country, with a wide range of vehicles including Enterprise Flex-E-Rent commercial vehicles and a growing network of Enterprise Car Club vehicles in locations such as Aberystwyth, Cardiff and Monmouth.
James Goodall, Regional Sales Director for Wales and the Southwest, explains that being close to the community is part of how Enterprise delivers a mobility service in Wales.
“I was born in Cardiff and moved back there seven years ago with Enterprise,” James said. “One of Enterprise’s core values is to represent the communities we serve. The Welsh language is a major part of our history, and in many parts of the country Welsh is the first language. We want to be part of increasing the number of Welsh language speakers.”
Enterprise supports local charities such as Big Bocs Bwyd, Platfform for Change and The Welsh Veterans to build strong links with the Welsh community, alongside delivering a vital mobility service in Wales.
“Transport is a big priority,” adds James. “In many rural areas, the ability to rent low- and zero-emission vehicles is essential for everyday life and enables residents to travel more sustainably. We see the potential for Enterprise to be part of how Wales achieves its future goals.”
“We see the potential for Enterprise to be part of how Wales achieves its future goals”
Kim Lewis agrees that speaking Welsh is important to her personally and also to her day-to-day work with bodyshops around the country.
“Sometimes I will be talking to a customer and suddenly we will just switch to Welsh without noticing,” she says. “Other times I only know the word I want to use in Welsh. There is a layer of trust and understanding. I always start and finish my emails in Welsh. We transact in Welsh and set up business contracts in that language. It’s how we build rapport and connect with everyone.”
Kim says that she decided to joined Enterprise nine years ago for the career progression opportunities on her doorstep.
“I wanted to work in Wales. I could see that the business was really invested here, and that I could build a great career. The time has flown by,” she said.
“It’s about making the effort and opening the conversation in Welsh”
Vaughan Gething (middle - Member of the Welsh Parliament for Cardiff South and Penarth) at the opening of the Cardiff West location with members of the Enterprise team
Staying in Wales became even more important when Kim started a family: “I rely on my mum and dad with the children, and I want the children to be able to speak Welsh and have the opportunity to pursue their whole education in Wales like myself. It’s very important to me for them to learn the history and the culture.”
She values the fact that Enterprise is offering Welsh lessons to employees.
“That is how we will promote and move forwards with the Welsh language,” she said. “It’s not about being fluent and it’s okay to speak ‘Wanglish’.
“It’s about making the effort and opening the conversation in Welsh. Even if someone is a bit rusty, or they only know a few words, it enriches the experience with customers. It gives employees confidence, recognising that it’s part of the Welsh identity.”
If you are interested in a career with Enterprise, please visit our recruitment website at careers.enterprise.co.uk
