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 Awards 2025
Categories
Outstanding Achievement Award
The shortlisted businesses are:
- BAE Systems and Babcock
- Hafren Dyfrdwy
- Hywel Dda University Health Board
- Torfaen County Borough Council
- Welcome Break
Nominations demonstrated how the business:
- Worked with Careers Wales and supported schools and young people
- Embraced developments and new initiatives
- Celebrated their work with Careers Wales and schools in Wales and encouraged other businesses to work with Careers Wales to support schools and learners
Best Newcomer
The shortlisted businesses are:
- British Transport Police
- Morlais
- Nidec Control Techniques Ltd
- Safran Seats
- Wall-Lag
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
Best Ongoing Relationship with a School
The shortlisted businesses are:
- BBC Studios and BBC Cymru Wales
- CGI
- G.O.S Tool & Engineering Services Ltd
- Pembrokeshire County Council
- Taylor Wimpey
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
Outstanding Personal Contribution
The shortlist is:
- Catrin Leader, Bute Energy
- Gwenno Angharad Williams, Cyngor Gwynedd
- Jessica Davies, DVLA
- Kirsty Phillips, Wall-Lag
- Seb York, Cardiff Community Housing Association
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
Most Supportive Work Experience Employer
The shortlisted businesses are:
- Deutsch Autos Ltd
- Fix Auto Group
- Llwynypia Primary School
- Viktor’s Autocare & MOT Centre
- Westward Energy Services
Nominations demonstrated evidence that could include how the business:
- Has offered tailored work experience to one of more young people
- Has gone above and beyond in their support for a young person facing challenges or barriers to engaging
- Has a well thought out programme of activities designed to support the learner in their placement
Best Promoter of Welsh in the Workplace
The shortlisted businesses are:
- Barclays
- Canolfan S4C Yr Egin
- Cyngor Gwynedd
- Swansea Bay University Health Board
- WeCare Wales
Nominations demonstrated evidence that could include how the business:
- Recognises the value of the Welsh language as a skill for the workplace
- Takes part in events that promote the importance of the Welsh Language in the workplace
- Supports delivery through the medium of Welsh
Best Supporter of the Net Zero Agenda
The shortlisted businesses are:
- Kier
- Merthyr Valleys Homes
- Morlais
- RHA
- Viridor
Nominations demonstrated evidence that could include how the business:
- Helps raise awareness of the skills required in a net zero Wales
- Provides innovative opportunities for young people to learn about careers linked to the net zero agenda
- Celebrates their work with Careers Wales and schools in Wales and encourages other businesses to work with Careers Wales to support schools and learners to embed net zero related careers and work-related experiences in the curriculum
The 2025 awards ceremony
The awards ceremony will provide an opportunity for us to celebrate all shortlisted businesses before announcing the winners. Journalist, Sian Lloyd, will announce the winners live at our awards ceremony on 15 January.
This year’s awards are sponsored by Jeremy Miles MS and will be held at The Neuadd within the Senedd, Cardiff Bay between 12pm and 2:30pm.
Past Winners
Discover how Lisa helped a young person to develop confidence and skills in woodwork with invaluable work experience at her workshop.
Find out how Colette's passion for inspiring young people led to a Valued Partner Award for Outstanding Personal Contribution.
Morganstone has a strong connection with Careers Wales. As a partner of seven years, they have provided excellent experiences for pupils.
Find out how Castell Howell Foods have been supporting learners to find out about the world of work.
JCB is one of the top three manufacturers of construction equipment in the world. The company has inspired many young people to pursue a career in construction.
Find out how Betsi Cadwaladr UHB is working with schools to promote the Welsh language.
Find out how the owner of this small business is helping to bring subjects to life for learners.
Find out how this award winner is encouraging learners to think about their future roles and protecting the planet.