West Wales employer recognised at the Careers Wales Valued Partner Awards 2026

Careers Wales has announced the eight winners of the 2026 Valued Partner Awards at a ceremony held on 28 January 2026 at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.

In west Wales, one employer has been recognised for their significant contribution to careers education:

• Best Promoter of Welsh in the Workplace: Swansea Bay University Health Board

The annual awards recognise organisations that have gone above and beyond in working with schools to deliver high‑quality, engaging and meaningful careers experiences that help pupils connect classroom learning with real‑world opportunities.

Over the past year, the winning employers have provided workshops, mentoring, workplace visits and a wide range of activities designed to inspire pupils, broaden their horizons and support them to make informed choices about their future.

The winners, who are from locations across Wales, were revealed live by event host, Sian Lloyd.

Nikki Lawrence, chief executive at Careers Wales, said: “We are very proud to celebrate this year’s winners, whose support has made a real and lasting difference to young people across Wales. Their willingness to share their time, knowledge and experience plays a vital role in engaging with pupils and helping them to explore career pathways that are available to them and understand the world of work

“On behalf of myself and everyone at Careers Wales, I want to extend our warmest congratulations and thanks to all of our winners and nominees for the invaluable support they provide.”

Minister for Skills, Jack Sargeant said: “Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of this year’s Valued Partner Awards. These organisations demonstrate the power of partnership between employers and schools in opening doors for our young people.

“I’m pleased to see Atlas Copco recognised as Best Newcomer – as my former employer, I know first-hand the value they place on developing young talent. By sharing their expertise and providing real-world experiences, they are helping to build a skilled and confident workforce for Wales’s future.”

Victoria Williams, Careers, Widening Access & Work Experience Manager and Melanie Lloyd, Widening Access and Honorary Agreement Support Officer at Swansea Bay University Health Board, said: “We’re thrilled that Swansea Bay University Health Board has been recognised as the ‘Best Promoter of Welsh in the Workplace’. Supporting young people to develop confidence in the Welsh language and to see its real‑world value in healthcare, is something we are very passionate about. Through our school and college partnerships, widening access work and apprenticeship programmes, we aim to create opportunities that inspire the next generation and celebrate the importance of bilingualism within NHS Wales. We are proud to work with Careers Wales to help young people build confidence, raise aspirations and see the NHS as a welcoming and inclusive place to start their careers. It’s a privilege to play a part in helping young people explore their talents, grow in confidence and feel empowered about their future.”

The full list of categories and winners are:

Outstanding Achievement Award:
Hafren Dyfrdwy / Severn Trent

Best Newcomer:
Atlas Copco

Best Ongoing Relationship with a School:
voco St. David’s Cardiff

Most Supportive Work Experience Employer:
Cambrian Village Trust

Most Supportive Small Business:
Caffi Y Cwt Potiau / The Potting Shed Café

Best Promoter of Welsh in the Workplace:
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Bae Abertawe / Swansea Bay University Health Board

Best Supporter of the Net Zero Agenda:
Morlais

Outstanding Personal Contribution:
Conor Lynn – Berry Smith Lawyers

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 pagesor contact employerengagement@careerswales.gov.wales.