New Gaelic research launched this week
| New Gaelic research launched this week | |
| 10 March 2008 A major study is launched this week on the role of Gaelic in economic growth in Scotland, focusing on its place in the Scottish labour market. The study will look at how many organisations across Scotland are currently employing staff in posts where Gaelic is desirable essential skill. It will research how these organisations envisage the demand for Gaelic skills in the workplace is likely to increase. The study is funded by Careers Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Highlands and Islands Enterprise HIE. Over the next few days, more than 250 organisations across Scotland will receive a questionnaire requesting information such as how many posts there are in each place of work where Gaelic is an important skill, the level of fluency and where these posts are based. The Gaelic Language Act, the imminent launch of a Gaelic Digital Service and an ever growing interest in Gaelic language, heritage and culture has led to a growth in demand for individuals with skills in the language. This study will endeavour to take a wide-ranging approach to assess the broader status of Gaelic in the Scottish labour market. Ian Carse, head of career related information and learning in Careers Scotland in the Highlands and Islands, said: "As an all age agency this is a very important study for Careers Scotland, and given the ongoing developments in the language, it is quite timely. This study will begin to help us quantify the increasing demand for Gaelic skills in the workplace across Scotland and assist us in devising strategies for growing the contribution of Gaelic to sustainable economic growth in Scotland. "We are beginning to fully recognise the benefits of bilingual education in terms of linguistic, educational and skills development. This study will also consider the enhanced career prospects for current Gaelic speakers and for children currently in or entering the bilingual education system." Rosemary Ward, education manager at Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: "Bòrd na Gàidhlig, in partnership with Comunn na Gàidhlig, is actively involved in the promotion of Gaelic career opportunities. The Bòrd recently mounted a targeted Gaelic Teacher Recruitment Campaign in the Highlands and Islands which resulted in a number of positive enquiries for teacher training and generic career information." A copy of the questionnaire is available at: www.heclaconsulting.co.uk The study will be conducted by Hecla Consulting who can be contacted at
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