The Valued Partner Awards is a way for Careers Wales to recognise and thank the businesses that have worked with us.
We celebrate the work employers have done to help schools and young people to engage with the world of work. Partnerships between businesses and schools provide young people with inspiration and motivation. Valuable work-related knowledge and experiences help young people link what they learn in school and the world of work.
Valued Partner Award Winners 2022
Categories
Most Supportive Work Experience Employer
Winner - Scooby’s Autos
The shortlisted businesses were:
- Blas Lon Las
- Paddlewest
- Pure Homes
- Scooby’s Autos
- Spa Motors
Nominations demonstrated how the business had done one or more of the following:
- Offered tailored work experience to one or more young people
- Went above and beyond in their support for a young person facing challenges or barriers to engaging
- Had a well thought out programme of activities designed to support the learner in their placement
Most Innovative Support for Schools
Winner - Viridor
The shortlisted businesses were:
- BBC Studios
- Celtic Collection
- Litegreen
- Screen Alliance Wales
- Viridor
Nominations demonstrated how the business has contributed to one or more of the following:
- Been creative with the use of technology to engage with schools
- Supported schools with innovative activities, workshops, or challenges
- Tried new ideas
- Supported young people at risk of disengaging or young people with additional learning needs
- Raised awareness of ‘green’ issues
- Challenged gender stereotypes in careers
Most Supportive Small Business
Winner - Litegreen
The shortlisted businesses were:
- Barcud
- Calon FM
- Geek Retreat
- Litegreen
- Ponthir Tyre Services
This award is for a business employing fewer than ten people.
Nominations demonstrated how the business:
- Actively promoted their relationship with Careers Wales and one or more schools
- Supported a range of different school activities
Outstanding Personal Contribution
Winner - Jacqui Gower, JCP Solicitors
The shortlist was:
- Annie O’Reilly, West Glam Regional Social Care Partnership
- Chris Hooper, Greater Gwent Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Partnership
- Edward Morgan, Castell Howell Foods
- Jacqui Gower, JCP Solicitors
- Robyn Marshall, Willmott Dixon
Nominations demonstrated how this person had done one or more of the following:
- Displayed exceptional commitment to supporting activities in schools
- Shown a willingness to try new ideas
- Encouraged others from their organisation to take part
- Actively promoted their relationship with Careers Wales and a school or schools
Best Ongoing Relationship with a School
Winner - Future Valleys Construction
The shortlisted businesses were:
- Aber Instruments
- Arup
- Bluestone
- Caerphilly County Borough Council
- Future Valleys Construction
Nominations demonstrated evidence of a strong relationship with one particular school over the last two years that could include the:
- Number of activities supported in the school
- Range of activities supported in the school
- Working relationships with school staff
- Promotion of relationships with the school
Best Newcomer
Winner - Charles Owen
The shortlisted businesses were:
- Alun Griffiths (Pembs)
- Awesome Wales
- Brenig Construction
- Charles Owen
- William Hare
Nominations demonstrated how the business:
- Started working with Careers Wales to support schools over the last year
- Actively promoted the relationship between Careers Wales and one or more schools
- Supported one or more activities
The 2022 awards ceremony
Huw Stephens, presenter and DJ, announced the winners live at our awards ceremony on 8 November at the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff.
Find out about the winners

Find out how work experience led to an apprenticeship, and an award for Scooby's Autos.

Discover why Jacqui’s commitment to supporting careers learning was recognised at the Valued Partner Awards.

Find out more about how Viridor support careers learning and raise awareness of environmental issues.

Find out how Charles Owen help young people understand more about the different opportunities in manufacturing.

Read how Litegreen show their passion for supporting young people and helping them to develop their confidence.

Learn more about how working together to meet pupils’ needs is making a difference for pupils in Merthyr.