This is the year to apply for the Princess Royal Training Awards as they celebrate a decade of royally recognising training excellence!
This milestone marks a decade of honouring organisations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to developing their workforce through apprenticeships and other work-based learning initiatives.
Over the years, the Princess Royal Training Awards have royally recognised a diverse range of organisations from the UK and Ireland, of all sizes, across various industries. Previous recipients from the manufacturing and engineering sector have included Amey Plc, Barlows UK Ltd, Bouygues Energies and Services Solutions, the Electrical Distributors Association, Stainless Metalcraft and MKC Training Services Ltd.
What sets these Awards apart?
Since their establishment in 2016, the Awards have seen a considerable rise in applications and Award recipients year on year, with 52 organisations achieving the Award in 2024. As the Awards’ reputation as a gold standard continues to soar, more and more organisations are striving to earn this sought-after distinction. As one previous recipient stated:
“It immediately attracted interest from overseas. It is a mark of excellence, and I think people recognise that both in the UK and internationally.”
The Awards are free from start to finish, provide unrivalled support throughout the application process, and focus on organisations achieving the standard, rather than competing against one another.
LONDON – UK- 23rd Nov 2023. HRH The Princess Royal attends the City and Guild Foundation Princess Royal Training Awards 2023 at St James’s Palace.
Photo by Ian Jones.
Beyond the prestige of royal recognition and celebration at a high-profile ceremony, Award recipients gain access to a powerful network of over 600 L&D leaders. The real reward, however, is the transformative impact these Awards have on their organisations. As precision engineering organisation and Award recipient EDM Zone Ltd explained:
“We have won lots of awards in the apprenticeship realm, but we believe this one to be the pinnacle of apprenticeship awards. It’s the best you can get.”
In a recent Alumni survey*, 93% of organisations reported a boost in employee engagement and wellbeing due to investment in learning, 91% saw an increased ability to demonstrate the value of skills to their organisation’s social value and 84% expressed enhanced confidence in their organisation’s culture and training approach.
Have organisations from the manufacturing and engineering sector ever achieved the Award?
Over the years, organisations from the manufacturing and engineering sector, large and small, have achieved the Award. In 2024, Lotus Cars achieved an Award for its innovative approach to upskilling staff during the transition to electric vehicles. The Lotus Academy’s blended learning programme, with a focus on digital learning, has boosted customer satisfaction and sales.
Xtrac was also recognised with an Award for its outstanding apprenticeship programme. By establishing a training academy, enhancing mentoring, and implementing End Point Assessments, Xtrac has achieved a 100% success rate for its apprentices and driven company growth. Tecniq Ltd also received an Award for its in-house training pathway. This initiative has addressed the skills gap in carbon fibre automotive manufacturing, created a talent pipeline, and increased female representation within the company.
LONDON – UK- 23rd Nov 2023. HRH The Princess Royal attends the City and Guild Foundation Princess Royal Training Awards 2023 at St James’s Palace.Photo by Ian Jones.
How do organisations apply for the 2025 Awards?
If your organisation is looking to be recognised for a training programme which has positively impacted your organisation, why not register your interest? This is a unique opportunity to showcase your commitment to training and development and be recognised for your achievements on a national stage. Applications open on 2 December 2024. You can contact the Princess Royal Training Awards team at: [email protected].
Awards are open until 31 March 2025.
*City & Guilds (2024) Impact Report 2024: The impact of skills on lives.
