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News 6 December 2021

Nest wins award for careers support

The Welsh Government Warm Homes Nest scheme has won a Careers Wales Valued Partner Award to recognise its work supporting young people to prepare for their future careers.

Nest took home the award for ‘Best Ongoing Relationship with a School’ at the 2021 awards ceremony for its partnership with Ysgol Clywedog in Wrexham.

Nest supports vulnerable homes across Wales with free, impartial energy saving advice and energy saving improvements, but its community benefits programme extends beyond the core purpose of the scheme to further benefit Welsh communities.

Four-year partnership with school

Teachers at Ysgol Clywedog were keen to give their students a better understanding of what it means to join the world of work.

This aligns with Nest’s objectives to improve employment skills within education, raise awareness of STEM subjects, and dispel the myth that the only career available at British Gas, which manages the Nest scheme, is engineering.

Through its partnership with Ysgol Clywedog, Nest has delivered various employability skill sessions, prefect training, assembly talks, and an attendance and recognition reward programme. During the Covid-10 pandemic, community engagement manager Michelle Symonds delivered online sessions to Year 10 and 11 students to help them achieve their Agored Cymu Customer Service qualifications.

Michelle was on hand to accept the award from renowned presenter, Sara Edwards, at an online ceremony in November 2021.

“Integral in inspiring the next generation”

Ross Kirwan, head of Nest, said: “We’re delighted that the hard work of the teachers and students at Ysgol Clywedog and our Community Benefits team has been recognised by this award from Careers Wales.

“In what has been a challenging time for everyone, it has been wonderful to see the next generation putting in a fantastic effort while learning vital skills that will serve them well when they enter the world of work.

“As well as helping homes across Wales stay comfortable all year around, we’re proud to work in partnership with local communities across the country and deliver additional benefits as part of our work with the Nest scheme.”

Nikki Lawrence, chief executive at Careers Wales, said: “Despite the added pressures of the pandemic, businesses have still provided excellent opportunities for young people, which is certainly true of Nest.

“They’ve played an integral part in inspiring and motivating the next generation, especially the pupils at Ysgol Clywedog.

“Congratulations to Nest and all of the finalists, and thank you again for your unwavering commitment to support young people with the world of work.”

About Nest

For more information about the Nest scheme, visit the Nest website.

The Nest scheme is managed on behalf of the Welsh Government by British Gas. Energy Saving Trust is a material subcontractor of British Gas.

Last updated: 2 December 2021