WILTSHIRE College & University Centre has been named as a national finalist in the fourth FE Week and AELP AAC Apprenticeship Awards 2021.

The announcement that the College had been shortlisted for Business and Administration Apprenticeship Provider of the Year was made at a virtual presentation hosted by FE News on YouTube on Thursday, April 29.

Judges said they had been truly impressed at the quantity and calibre of applications received.

Alex Clancy, head of business development, said: “The College has worked extremely hard over the past few years to place our employers and their learners at the heart of our delivery.

“There are more than 2,000 registered apprenticeship training providers across the UK and there were over 350 applications to the awards, so to be selected as a national finalist in that category makes me really proud of the team and work we are all doing to support our employers’ and learners’ needs.”

The College offers a range of Business Management, HR and Project Management apprenticeships and bespoke programmes for employers such as Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

It has more than 500 learners undertaking qualifications in management, administration and entrepreneurship. It prides itself on having an excellent reputation with employers, high achievement and progressions rates and being innovative both before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over the past year, the assessing teams have been proactive and demonstrated versatility by moving everything online and recording webinars and workshops for students to access at times that are convenient for them.

Sally Ford, head of Department for Business, IT & Entrepreneurship, said: “How fabulous for the College, this assessing team and all the learners and employers on our administration, team leading and management programmes, to be shortlisted as a national finalist which recognises all their hard work, dedication and support.”

All finalists have been invited to a gala dinner at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Thursday, July 8 when the winners will be announced.