Skills Group Wins at the Tes FE Awards 2020!

We are delighted to have won the Training Provider of the Year category at this year’s prestigious Tes FE Awards 2020!

Tes FE Awards look to celebrate and reward the dedication and expertise of the people and teams who continue to make a significant contribution to improving the skill level of young people and adult learners.

Skills Group have not only won Training Provider of the Year against eight other providers, but also came Runner Up in the Overall FE Provider of the Year category, which is judged from the winners of the five categories for different types of institutions; FE College, Training Provider, Adult and Community Learning Provider, Sixth-form College and Specialist Provider.

Tes Awards judges said, “The judges were impressed with the way in which the Skills Group places importance on community engagement. There’s a longevity factor with Skills Group that should be celebrated. It has paid for phenomenal facilities out of its revenue, and it thinks in detail about teaching and learning, and the curriculum – in particular, how to embed maths and English into vocational subjects.”

See all this year’s Tes FE Award 2020 winners here

Watch this year’s Tes FE Awards here

Tes FE Awards website

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School