The newly formed UCS College Group is delighted to have been named as a national finalist in the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards sponsored by City & Guilds.
The Awards recognise outstanding commitment to apprenticeships, skills and workforce development across the country, with entries assessed by an independent panel of judges against criteria such as learner impact, innovation, inclusivity and employer engagement. The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, with UCS College Group named as one of six finalists – and the only FE college – in the Training Provider of the Year category.
The judges were particularly impressed by the impact of the Group’s work across a broad spectrum of ages, levels and industry sectors that include global multinationals such as EDF Energy, the Ministry of Defence and the NHS, as well as a significant number of the smaller and micro-organisations that characterise Somerset’s business landscape.
Upon receiving the news, UCS College Group CEO, Andy Berry CBE, said:
Somerset is experiencing unprecedented inward investment, growth and regeneration. We are committed to transforming the lives of individuals, businesses and the community we serve by ensuring they have the technical and professional skills needed to participate fully in new and exciting employment opportunities.
Through deep-rooted, sustainable partnerships with every layer of the business community – employers, local Chambers, national, regional and local government, professional organisations and employment agencies – we have gained recognition as a strong provider of skills, operating at the forefront of several major infrastructure projects and unlocking significant investment in training facilities to support people into well-paid, satisfying and rewarding work. I am delighted for my team that their efforts are being recognised at these prestigious awards.
Chair of Governors Denys Rayner added:
As one of the largest college groups in England, UCS College Group plays a pivotal role in driving initiatives that deliver inward investment, enhance local infrastructures and ensure educational advancements translate into broad-scale economic benefits.
We have long focused on the importance of apprenticeships in bridging the gap between education and real-world work, offering individuals at all levels and in all walks of life a direct path to sustainable employment that enables them to earn while they learn. For businesses, the benefits are numerous; increased productivity, a wider talent pool and a workforce inducted in company procedures and culture from day one.
Award finalists will attend a celebratory reception at the House of Lords in February, with the winners announced at the Apprenticeships & Training Conference being held in March 2026 at the ACC Liverpool.
