Bradford College has been crowned "Apprenticeship Provider of the Year" at the national Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026, marking a significant win for the North of England’s vocational sector.

The announcement was made during a gala dinner at the ACC Liverpool on 3 March, where the college emerged victorious from a shortlist of six finalists, including several universities and private training firms. Run jointly by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), the awards are a benchmark for excellence in UK technical education.

The judging panel, which assessed over 650 nominations, highlighted Bradford College's "roll-on, roll-off" curriculum. This flexible model allows its 1,200 apprentices to begin their training at any point in the year, a feature particularly valued by the 700 local employers the college supports.

Regional success in Liverpool

The North of England enjoyed a strong showing at this year’s ceremony. Alongside Bradford’s headline win, Myerscough College in Lancashire was recognised for its "Outstanding Apprenticeship Programme," while CSR Scientific Training, which has a significant presence in the North, took home the award for "Specialist Training Provider of the Year."

Sarah Towan, Bradford College Vice Principal and Acting Head of Apprenticeships, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be named the best apprenticeship provider in the country, especially among such outstanding competition. 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 and excellence of our Apprenticeship Team.”

Closing the skills gap

The award follows a period of strong performance for the institution. Data published in 2025 ranked Bradford College among the top five large further education colleges in England for apprenticeship achievement. Its success rates sit 12.3% above the national average.

The college’s strategy is closely tied to the "Skills for Growth" agenda, a regional initiative designed to align education with the specific needs of Northern industries. Its provision spans from entry-level qualifications to Level 6 (degree-equivalent) apprenticeships in sectors including:

Construction and Engineering
Dental and Pharmacy
Digital Industries
Education and Teaching

The 2026 winners were previously honoured at a parliamentary reception in the House of Lords during National Apprenticeship Week in February, underscoring the government's continued focus on vocational training as a pillar of regional economic development.