Schools in Powys are being recognised for their commitment to strengthening careers and work-related experiences through the Careers Wales Quality Award (CWQA) – as registration opens for more schools across the country to take part.

Since launching in September 2023, 66 schools and settings from across Wales have taken part in the award pilot, including primary, secondary, special schools, pupil referral units and EOTAS provisions. This included Ysgol Llanfyllin and Crickhowell High School.

Pilot schools are already seeing benefits, with feedback highlighting:

These early results show how the award can support schools to build meaningful, high‑quality careers and work‑related experiences for learners aged 3 to 16 aligned with the Curriculum for Wales.

As the pilot phase draws to a close, registration has now opened for new schools to take part in the Careers Wales Quality Award from September 2026.

Jenna Graham, from Ysgol Llanfyllin, said:

“The award has helped us to ensure our directors of learning (DOL) are thinking about including CWRE within each area.

“The policy allowed us to create a form for DOL to fill in, and we’ve found CWRE is more publicised throughout the school. It has allowed some teachers to develop their own CWRE links and plans. At the next stage we will check it is embedded throughout.”

The award is structured across three stages – Leadership, Development and Impact – guiding schools from setting a clear strategic approach to careers education, through to embedding careers and work-related experiences in the curriculum, and then demonstrating the difference this makes for learners.

Schools from the pilot have worked closely with Careers Wales curriculum coordinators to help shape and refine the award ahead of its national rollout. The full national launch will introduce Bronze, Silver and Gold award levels, offering flexibility while recognising schools’ achievements and progress in developing high-quality CWRE.

Mark Owen, Head of Stakeholder Services at Careers Wales, said: “I’d like to congratulate every school and setting that has taken part in the Careers Wales Quality Award pilot. Their commitment and openness to collaboration has been vital in helping us shape an award that effectively supports schools.

“High-quality careers and work-related experiences play an essential role in helping learners understand their options and develop the confidence and skills they need for the future. The quality award gives schools a clear, supportive framework to embed this work across their curriculum, in a way that aligns with the Curriculum for Wales.

“We’re really encouraged by the positive impact we’re already seeing and look forward to welcoming more schools to take part as the award opens more widely later this year.”

To register your interest in starting the award in September fill in this form, or visit the Careers Wales website for more information.