15 December 2009

Costain is one of two organisations recognised for outstanding work in education and training with a prestigious award from Careers Wales West.

The Regeneration and Economic Development department at Pembrokeshire County Council and Costain in Pembrokeshire have been awarded a Careers Wales West Valued Partner Award for their commitment to work with local students and teachers.

Engineering and construction company Costain works in partnership with Careers Wales West and Construction Skills to raise teachers and students awareness of the construction industry and the exciting developments currently underway in the area. The company has been delivering interactive sessions to local primary school pupils on the importance of health and safety and has even been offering professional development opportunities for Careers Wales West advisors so they can provide the most up-to-date advice and information on the sector.

The Regeneration and Economic Development department at Pembrokeshire County Council has also been awarded for the role it has played in growing the Careers Wales West Enterprise Education programme. It introduced the Pembrokeshire Enterprise Fair, which saw young people from across the region setting up and running their own companies and even taking part in a trading event. The department has also been working with Careers Wales West and local teachers to develop new ways of introducing enterprise into the school curriculum.

Ray Collier, Chief Executive of Careers Wales West, said: "Both Pembrokeshire County Council and Costain have shown unwavering support to our clients in recent years. It is so important that we have partnerships with local organisations like these so that we can continue to provide local people and businesses with careers information, advice and guidance to provide brighter futures.

"Their commitment has meant that many more lives have been enriched, whether it is the experience of running your own business to learning more about a new industry and what's happening in your community. We are proud to call them our partners, which is why we have named them our Careers Wales West Valued Partners 2009."

Phil Baker, a Costain Public Liaison Officer, at the A40, commented: "Costain is delighted to be honoured with the Valued Partner Award, following our close work with Careers Wales West and Construction Skills on the A40 Robeston Wathen By-pass. As a company we take our responsibilities seriously when working in the community and would like to believe that by engaging with the young people of Pembrokeshire we may light a spark which could lead them into a construction career."

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