What it means
を兼ねて expresses that one activity or event is carried out while also serving an additional purpose. It is usually attached to a noun that names the secondary purpose, followed by the main action. The construction often presents an efficient combination of purposes and is more common in formal, written, or planned contexts than in casual conversation.
Usage note
を兼ねて normally attaches to a noun, such as a purpose, role, or activity, rather than directly to a verb. It should not be confused with simply using two verbs to describe simultaneous actions; this construction specifically indicates that the main activity also fulfills another purpose.
How to use it
社員たちは、実地研修を兼ねて、山間部の学校を訪問しました。
The employees visited a school in a mountainous area, also as practical training.
社員たちは、実地研修を兼ねて、山間部の学校を訪問した。
The employees visited a school in a mountainous area, also as practical training.