SCHOOLS in Pembrokeshire 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 Penrhyn Dewi and Pembrokeshire Learning Centre (PRU).

Pilot schools are already seeing benefits, with feedback highlighting stronger leadership and planning for CWRE; increased learner voice; improved engagement with parents, employers and communities, and greater teacher confidence in delivering careers‑related learning.

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.

Gareth Williams, from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, said: “Being a part of the award pilot has made us realise we are doing more than we thought.

“It’s made us look at revamping parent evenings to invite employers too. It keeps careers high up the agenda; it is on every single meeting we run and makes us think about what we are doing already.”

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.

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