CAREERS WALES have announced the employers shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 Valued Partner Awards. A total of 38 organisations have been shortlisted in eight categories for providing outstanding careers support to pupils in schools.
In Cardiff and south central Wales, the following employers or individuals have been recognised for their significant contributions to careers education:
- Bute Energy, Cardiff
- Cardiff & Vale University Health Board
- The Potting Shed Café, Cardiff
- Conor Lynn from Berry Smith Lawyers, Cardiff
- The St Davids Hotel & Spa, Cardiff
- Willmott Dixon, Cardiff
- Morgan Sindall Group, Cardiff
- Cambrian Village Trust, Tonypandy
- M&L Mechanical and Electrical Services, Tonypandy
- Walters Group, Aberdare
These awards celebrate employers who have worked with Careers Wales to deliver impactful and engaging careers experiences to pupils in Wales over the last twelve months.
By working closely with schools, these organisations help young people make links between what they learn in school and the world of work and understand more about the opportunities open to them.
The winners will be announced live at the in-person awards ceremony on January 28, 2026 at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.
Nikki Lawrence, chief executive at Careers Wales, said: “We are thrilled to reveal the fantastic employers shortlisted for the Valued Partner Awards this year.
“These awards enable us to recognise the vital role employer engagement plays in inspiring pupils, broadening their horizons and connecting them with the different career pathways that are available to them.
“On behalf of myself and everyone at Careers Wales, we look forward to welcoming all shortlisted organisations to the Senedd on 28 January and wish them the best of luck.”
The full list of categories and finalists are:
Outstanding Achievement Award:
- Airbus
- Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Caerdydd a’r Fro / Cardiff & Vale University Health Board
- Castell Howell
- Hafren Dyfrdwy
- Morgan Sindall Group
Best Newcomer:
- Atlas Copco
- EE
- HWM Global
- KHS
- TWI Ltd Wales
Best Ongoing Relationship with a School:
- A.N Richards Ltd
- Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water
- Kier
- The St Davids Hotel & Spa
- Walters
Most Supportive Small Business:
- Dewis Architecture
- Canolfan Bwyd Cymru / Food Centre Wales
- Caffi Y Cwt Potiau / The Potting Shed Café
Outstanding Personal Contribution:
- Chris Hooper – Bwrdeistref Sirol Torfaen / Torfaen County Borough Council
- Conor Lynn – Berry Smith Lawyers
- Emma Harrison – Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors
- Joanne Daniels – Vishay
- Mali Mathias – Barclays
Most Supportive Work Experience Employer:
- Cambrian Village Trust
- Fix Auto Aberdare
- M&L Mechanical & Electrical Services
- Newport Norse
- Premier Forecourts and Construction
Best Promoter of Welsh in the Workplace:
- A.N Richards Ltd
- Bute Energy
- Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Bae Abertawe / Swansea Bay University Health Board
- Gofalwn Cymru / WeCare Wales
- KHS
Best Supporter of the Net Zero Agenda:
- Bute Energy
- Morlais
- Tai Calon
- Wales & West Utilities
- Willmott Dixon
You can read more about the Valued Partner Awards on the Careers Wales website.
For more information on employer engagement with schools, visit the Careers Wales employer pages.
