Bradford College is celebrating after being named the best apprenticeship provider in the country at the prestigious Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026.
The college took home the top prize at a gala dinner held at the ACC Liverpool, beating out six other finalists, including private training providers and universities, to be named ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’. The awards, run by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, saw over 650 nominations from across the UK.
The judging panel looked for innovation and effectiveness, and Bradford College’s record spoke for itself. Recent data placed the college in the top five large FE colleges in England for apprenticeships, with achievement rates sitting 12.3% above the national average.
Sarah Towan, Bradford College Vice Principal, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to be named the best apprenticeship provider in the country. We firmly believe apprenticeships have the power to transform lives and careers, and receiving this prestigious national award is a proud moment for Bradford College and a testament to the dedication of our team.”
With over 30 years of experience, the college currently supports more than 1,200 apprentices and partners with 700 employers. Their “roll-on, roll-off” curriculum is a particular standout, allowing students to start their training at any time of the year rather than waiting for September.
The college’s offerings are specifically designed to address the West Yorkshire skills gap, covering Level 2 to Level 6 apprenticeships across sectors such as Construction, Engineering, Dental, Pharmacy, and Digital.
The victory follows a reception at the House of Lords in February, where finalists were recognised for their contribution to the UK’s “Skills for Growth” agenda. This latest accolade cements Bradford College’s position as the leading provider in West Yorkshire for the second year running.
