What does exceptional workplace training really look like? In 2026, organisations across the UK and Ireland are once again invited to answer that question by applying for the Princess Royal Training Awards, a nationally respected benchmark for excellence in workforce development.
Endorsed by HRH The Princess Royal, a long-standing champion of skills and lifelong learning, the Awards recognise organisations that invest in their people, creating confident, capable workforces that drive lasting impact.
Designed for organisations of every shape and size
Since their launch in 2016, the Awards have celebrated training programmes from employers across all sectors, from household names to organisations quietly doing extraordinary work. The Awards are entirely free from start to finish, and the standard is consistent regardless of size or sector.
Interest in the Awards continues to grow. In 2025, a record 57 training programmes achieved recognition, reflecting both the rising quality of workplace learning and the increasing value that organisations place on developing their people. New this year, the Awards also recognise international training programmes delivered by UK- and Ireland-based organisations, widening their reach and influence.
Support that sets applicants up for success
The Princess Royal Training Awards stand out for the high level of support they offer. Every organisation that applies gains access to a range of support options, including practical workshops, one-to-one guidance, informal ‘tea and chat’ sessions, detailed Assessor feedback and a new Applicant Coaching offer. As one previous recipient commented:
“These awards are so different to other awards out there and when we realised that, we really leaned into the process…unlike other awards, there are so many opportunities to ask for feedback. Nobody else does that and I think through that process, you are able to dig a little deeper.”
Together, this support helps applicants refine their applications and promote continuous improvement in their programmes, whether or not they ultimately achieve the Award.
Proven impact in the engineering sector
Engineering organisations continue to demonstrate how high-quality learning can transform performance. Recent recipients illustrate the breadth of impact that training can deliver. NG Bailey addressed the national electrician shortage through a high-impact apprenticeship programme, achieving an 86% completion rate and 99% job placement whilst strengthening retention and future capability.
The Electrical Distributors’ Association boosted sector training through a digital platform, increasing participation by 300% across 210 organisations and delivering a 132% return on investment. BES Group enhanced safety and technical expertise through VR-enabled learning, delivering 300,000 training hours and improving technical knowledge by 30%.
These stories sit alongside those of previous recipients, including Amey Plc, Bouygues Energies and Services Solutions, the Stainless Metalcraft and many others, all united by a commitment to outstanding training and development.
More than an Award: A lasting community
Organisations that achieve the standard join a community of over 700 learning and training leaders, offering opportunities for peer learning, connections and collaboration. Recipients also consistently report higher employee engagement, stronger wellbeing outcomes and a clearer ability to demonstrate the social value of skilled, supported workforces. One recipient explained what the Award meant for them:
“For us, it is recognition that we have met a high standard, a quality standard; it’s a prestigious Award and it’s an excellent benchmark for us and others as well. And going through the process has also been extremely valuable. It encouraged us to reflect upon what we do well, where we have been, where we are at now and where we can go moving forwards.”
Apply for the 2026 Awards
If your organisation runs a training programme that has made a real difference to your people and your organisations, the Princess Royal Training Awards offer a powerful opportunity to gain recognition and raise your profile. The Awards are now open, until 20 March 2026. Apply now or find out more.
Image © Rachael Barron Photography
