Bishop Auckland College crowned Business Education & Training Provider of the Year at Business Awards UK
Bishop Auckland College is delighted to announce it has been named Business Education & Training Provider of the Year for the Durham region at the prestigious Business Awards UK.
This prestigious accolade celebrates a transformative year of employer-engaged education, exceptional apprenticeship delivery and bespoke training provision across Co. Durham and beyond.
This highlights the College’s impact on regional economic priorities, employer needs and community wellbeing.
Julie Vincent, Director of Apprenticeships & Employment Services at Bishop Auckland College, said: “This award is a tremendous recognition of our team’s dedication and the strong partnerships we’ve forged with employers across County Durham and beyond.
“It also highlights our commitment to delivering bespoke, industry-aligned training and apprenticeships that not only meet the immediate needs of businesses but also empower individuals and strengthen our community’s future.”
The award recognises the College’s strategic collaboration with industry, delivering measurable impact and industry-aligned outcomes.
Key initiatives include the successful launch of the Kier Employer Skills Academy in partnership with Kier Construction, providing a structured pathway to employment for construction students through practical experience, mentorship and work placements.
The College’s blossoming relationship with The Auckland Project and Kynren from Eleven Arches has supported the town’s cultural regeneration by training local staff and volunteers in heritage, visitor services and commercial operations.
The College also demonstrated its responsiveness to critical societal needs by delivering an innovative county-wide programme providing accredited Counselling qualifications to primary school staff, directly supporting children and families.
The College’s commitment to upskilling the workforce is further evidenced by its Teaching Assistant apprenticeship programmes, achieving a remarkable 76.9 per cent completion and End-point Assessment success rate in 2023–24, significantly outperforming the national average.
With 17 apprenticeship standards now delivered to over 60 different employers, Bishop Auckland College continues to drive inclusive economic growth.
*For further information on apprenticeship opportunities check out bishopaucklandcollege.ac.uk
