Bradford College has been shortlisted for one of the UK’s most prestigious education honours after being named a finalist in the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards.
The College is among just 94 organisations to make the national shortlist, selected from more than 650 nominations spanning employers, universities, colleges, and training providers. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony during the Apprenticeships and Training Conference at ACC Liverpool on 3 March 2026, hosted by comedian Sara Pascoe.
Bradford College will compete against six other leading providers in the highly coveted ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’ category, which recognises organisations delivering exceptional apprenticeship outcomes on a national scale.
With more than 30 years of apprenticeship experience, Bradford College works in partnership with over 700 employers and supports more than 1,200 apprentices through a flexible roll-on, roll-off curriculum. Its provision spans Level 2 to Level 6 apprenticeships in key growth sectors, including Professional Services, Construction and Engineering, Dental, Pharmacy, Ophthalmic, Digital, Early Years, and Education and Teaching.
The College is one of the region’s largest apprenticeship providers and plays a central role in driving the Bradford ‘Skills for Growth’ agenda, aligning local workforce needs with high-quality training.
Recent Qualification Achievement Rates underline its national standing. Government data published in 2025 ranked Bradford College among the top five large FE colleges in England for apprenticeships and the best large college provider in West Yorkshire for the second consecutive year. Achievement rates were 5% higher than other large FE colleges in the region and 12.3% above the national average.
Judith Jackson, Head of Department for Apprenticeships & Business Development, said:
“We’re over the moon to be acknowledged as one of the best apprenticeship providers in the country against some exceptional peers. This recognition is a huge achievement for Bradford College and a testament to our outstanding Apprenticeship Team.”
Shane Mann, chair of the judging panel, added:
“The standard of nominations was incredibly high, reflecting a sector that continues to innovate and raise the bar. Congratulations to all finalists.”
The awards, now in their ninth year, are run by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) in partnership with City & Guilds. Finalists will also be recognised at a special parliamentary reception at the House of Lords during National Apprenticeships Week in February 2026.
For the full list of finalists, visit the FE Week website. More information on Bradford College apprenticeships is available on the College website.
