Wiltshire College & University Centre is a national finalist in the fourth FE Week and AELP AAC Apprenticeship Awards 2021.

The college had been shortlisted for Business and Administration Apprenticeship Provider of the Year.

Judges said they had been truly impressed at the quantity and calibre of applications received.

Alex Clancy, Head of Business Development, said: “The college has worked extremely hard over the past few years to place our employers and their learners at the heart of our provision.

“More than 2,000 registered apprenticeship training providers are in the UK and there were more 350 applications, so to be selected as a national finalist in that category makes me really proud of the team and work to support our employers’ and learners’ needs.”

The college provides Business Management, HR and Project Management apprenticeships and bespoke programmes for employers such as Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. It has more than 500 learners undertaking qualifications in management, administration and entrepreneurship. It says it has having an excellent reputation with employers, high achievement and progressions rates and is innovative both before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the past year, the assessing teams have demonstrated versatility by moving everything online and recording webinars and workshops for students to access at times that are convenient for them.

Sally Ford, Head of Department for Business, IT & Entrepreneurship, said: “To be shortlisted as a national finalist recognises all their hard work, dedication and support.”

All finalists have been invited to an award gala dinner at the ICC in Birmingham on Thursday, July 8, when the winners will be announced