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.
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.”
Giorgia Paoloni, HR business partner at Atlas Copco, said: “I wasn’t expecting it at all, so it was a bit of a surprise, but I’m really proud to know that all the hard work we’ve been doing has been recognised. As an engineering company, we know how important it is to engage with young people to show them what opportunities are available.”
Conor Lynn, Family Law Solicitor at Berry Smith Lawyers, said: “I was genuinely honoured and quite overwhelmed to have won the award. Giving young people the opportunity to understand their options and feel more confident about their future is something I care deeply about.”
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
