Westward Energy Services is a heating and plumbing company in Pontardawe. They have supported young people through work experience, offering useful job skills.
Working with Careers Wales
After connecting with Careers Wales, the company joined the Tailored Work Experience Programme. This project supports Years 10 and 11 learners who might lose interest in school. It connects them with local, supportive employers.
Since then, Westward Energy Services has:
- Helped two pupils complete placements, with a third starting soon
- Run mock interviews to help pupils feel ready for real job interviews
- Offered weekly placements over six weeks to fit around school
- Checked progress with mid-placement reviews and celebrated success at the end
- Provided transport to make sure pupils could attend
Supporting pupils with challenges
Westward Energy Services goes the extra mile to help pupils facing challenges.
Morgan is a Year 10 pupil. He had low attendance at school and faced some other challenges. Andrew and his team supported him throughout the placement. Morgan completed it with great feedback and now wants to study engineering.
Evan struggled with communication and confidence. The team adapted to Evan’s needs. He completed his six-week placement and was offered a summer job. This helped him feel more confident about the future.
Making a difference
Westward Energy Services has helped pupils feel more confident and hopeful. Both Morgan and Evan finished their placements with perfect attendance. They gained new skills and felt proud of what they achieved.
Award win
Careers Wales has presented Westward Energy Services with a Valued Partner Award. They won Most Supportive Work Experience Employer in January 2025.
We feel honoured and privileged to receive this award. As a company we are committed to offering work experience placements that help to inspire the next generation of young people entering the workplace. We have seen first-hand the profound effect that work experience can have and we look forward to continuing to work with Careers Wales to offer more work experience opportunities in the future.”
Stuart Thomas, Operations Director at Westward Energy Services
I firmly believe that the positive outcomes that both pupils achieved from their work experience placements are down to the thought, consideration and commitment that Westward demonstrated in offering such fantastic work experience opportunities.”
Rebecca Thomas, Careers Wales Business Engagement Adviser
Explore
Supported by Careers Wales you could make a real difference to the lives of young people, whilst benefiting your business.
Find out how we can support you to work with schools to benefit learners and your organisation.
The Valued Partner Awards is a way for Careers Wales to recognise and thank the businesses that have worked with us and been instrumental in supporting schools and young people to engage with the world of work.