Careers Wales and Working Wales help people of all ages across Wales to build brighter futures and navigate their next steps, through impartial careers information, advice and guidance and employability support,
When Isabelle Haines was in Year 10, she felt overwhelmed by the idea of choosing A levels and deciding what to do after her GCSEs. Sixth form felt daunting, and she wasn’t sure where to turn.
“I wasn’t really sure what A levels I should do, what sixth form would be best for me, or what I needed for university.” said Isabelle.
That’s when she met Nick Sparrow, her school’s careers adviser. Through one-to-one sessions, Nick helped Isabelle explore her options and feel more secure about the future.
“I had no idea what I should do after school. I felt so alone. But Nick made me realise I wasn’t alone and that there were so many more options,” she said. “He slowly started introducing the idea of sixth form to me. He made it all seem very easy and gentle.”
With Nick’s support, Isabelle chose to study psychology, biology, history, and religious education—subjects that reflect her interests and ambitions. She now hopes to study psychology at university.
“Nick helped me decide what’s the best place for me, what grades I needed, and what I should do with my future. I feel a lot better about it now because I have support and I know where I can go.”
Isabelle was just one of the 80,000 young people supported by careers advisers from Careers Wales in 2024-25.
After 16 years in the same role, Angela Annan, 56, from Cardiff found herself unhappy at work and struggling with her confidence. Changes in her workplace left her feeling disheartened, and concerned about her emotional wellbeing, she reached out to Working Wales for help.
Angela made an appointment with Linda Thomas, a careers adviser based in Cardiff, to explore her next steps. After being in the same job for so long, Angela wasn’t sure what else she could do. Together, she and Linda discussed different career options and identified the transferable skills she could bring to a new role.
When Linda sent Angela a job listing for a role she thought might suit her, Angela decided to apply. “Linda helped me with the application form. She was so encouraging, and we have done everything together step by step. She was absolutely amazing. I couldn’t have done it without her,” Angela said.
With Linda’s support, Angela prepared through a mock interview to help calm her nerves. Shortly after, she was offered the position with Cardiff Council as an Independent Travel Trainer, which she began in March 2025.
Now, Angela works with young adults with additional learning needs, helping them build independence by learning to travel to school or college using public transport. “It’s fantastic. I’m very happy. It’s very rewarding when you see the difference you’re making. I feel like I can do anything now,” Angela said.
Encouraging others to reach out for support, Angela added: “If I can do it, you can do it. My biggest advice? Go to Working Wales. They have some amazing staff. And don’t hold back if you’re feeling unhappy with where you are. Only you can change things. It’s a big leap but it’s so worth it.”
Angela’s success is just one example of how Working Wales, funded by Welsh Government and delivered by Careers Wales, helps people take confident steps toward their futures.
For careers information, advice, and guidance, visit the Careers Wales and Working Wales websites and explore the latest Careers Wales annual report.