Gloucestershire College has been crowned Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year in the 2024 AAC National Apprenticeship Awards.
With an extensive portfolio of IT, cyber, software and digital apprenticeships, £3m training facility, ADA, National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) certification and Tech Industry Gold accreditation, Gloucestershire College has cemented its position as the UK’s leading provider of digital apprenticeships.
As a passionate advocate for tech skills education and increasing diversity in the sector, the College has become the go-to training provider for employers in Gloucestershire and the South West since launching a suite of six new digital apprenticeships in 2017.
Its portfolio has significantly expanded since then in response to the surging skills demand, and now includes the new Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (DATS) Integrated Degree and DevOps Engineer apprenticeships – all aligned to the region’s economic priorities, including the Golden Valley Development.
The degree apprenticeships are delivered in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). Curriculum is designed with employers and undergoes regular reviews and enhancements to equip the current and future workforce with sought-after skills for the rapidly evolving tech industry.
The College achieves this through strategic partnerships with key industry players including UWE Bristol, the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT), CyNam and Business West LSIP.
“ We are absolutely delighted to have our cyber and IT apprenticeship programmes recognised by this prestigious national award. It is testament to the hard work, skills and commitment of all the staff delivering the training and supporting apprentices and employers,” said Julie Tegg, Director of Employer Training & Apprenticeships.
“Our priority has always been aligning training with industry demands, while considering business needs and objectives. We are proud of our proven track record of delivering positive outcomes for both employers and apprentices. For example, our first cohort of cyber degree apprentices graduated successfully in 2023, securing rewarding careers with top cyber businesses.
“We are excited to launch our new DATS degree and DevOps apprenticeships, and look forward to growing partnerships and delivery as a result of this national award win.”
The awards were held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, on Tuesday 27 February, with Shane Mann, chief executive of FE Week’s publisher EducationScape and AAC awards co-host, commenting:
“Great apprenticeships are a testament to dedicated professionals in employers and training providers. Our winners demonstrate the excellent work that goes into putting the apprentice experience at the heart of everything they do.
“Tonight showcased the very best the apprenticeships sector has to offer.”
With Gloucestershire positioned to become the UK’s cyber hub, and the region’s integration into the Western Gateway via the Golden Valley Development, the College will continue to work with its academic, business and pubic sector partners to develop the region’s diverse talent pool through high-quality apprenticeships.
The AAC Apprenticeship Awards are a celebration of excellence in apprenticeship delivery in the UK, recognising outstanding employers, apprentices and business providers nationwide.
For more information, visit www.gloscol.ac.uk/employers
