The GM Skills Awards celebrates excellence in the Further Education (FE) and Skills Sector across Greater Manchester. This prestigious event brings together industry leaders, educators, employers, learners and apprentices to celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions to the FE and Skills Sector.
The inaugural GM Skills Awards will take place on the 3rd July 2025 at The Manchester Monastery.
Find out more & submit your nomination here!
Award Categories
Apprentice of the Year (Level 2-3)
This category honours an apprentice at Levels 2 or 3 who has demonstrated exceptional progress, commitment, and achievements in their apprenticeship programme. The winner will have shown outstanding growth in their skills, knowledge and behaviours, and significant contribution to their workplace.
Apprentice of the Year (Level 4,5,6,7)
This category recognises an apprentice at Level 4–7 who has excelled in their apprenticeship programme. The winner will have demonstrated outstanding growth in their skills, knowledge and behaviours, and significant contribution to their workplace or industry.
16-19 Learner of the Year
This category celebrates a young learner between the ages 16-19 who has shown remarkable dedication, progress and achievement in their chosen training programme. This winner will have demonstrated strong performance, personal development and commitment to their future career goals.
Adult Learner of the Year
This category recognises an adult learner who has shown exceptional determination, achievement and progress in their training programme. The winner will have demonstrated their commitment to life-long learning and have made significant progress in their personal and professional development.
Shining Star of the Year
The winner of this award is someone who has excelled or is excelling in their chosen training programme and was, or is making a remarkable impact. This award honours those who do or have demonstrated exceptional dedication, persistence, and bring a positive influence within their training environment, workplace, or community. This individual has or may have had to overcome specific challenges or barriers, demonstrating great resilience.
Unsung Hero of the Year
This category celebrates a Training Provider staff member who has gone above and beyond to champion skills and training, providing a high-quality service. This award celebrates those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support learners, apprentices, employers and colleagues, making a significant impact on the skills sector in GM.
Team of the Year
The Team of the Year Award recognises a group of individuals within a Training Provider who have worked collaboratively to achieve exceptional results in skills development or training. This award celebrates a team that demonstrates outstanding teamwork, innovation, and a strong commitment to their shared goals. The winning team will have made a significant impact within their organisation, with the learners and employers they support, showcasing the power of collaboration and collective effort in achieving success.
SME of the Year
The SME of the Year Award celebrates small and medium-sized enterprises that show outstanding commitment to skills development and employee training. This award honours an SME that demonstrates innovation in training practices, a strong culture of learning, and a positive impact on their workforce. The winning SME will have shown exceptional support for apprenticeships, work placements, and continuous professional development of staff, making significant contributions to advancing skills and fostering growth within Greater Manchester.
Large Employer of the Year
The Large Employer of the Year Award recognises a large organisation that demonstrates exceptional dedication to skills development and employee training. This award celebrates a large employer that excels in providing outstanding support for apprenticeships, work placements, and continuous professional development for staff. The winning organization will have shown a strategic approach to training, fostering a strong culture of learning, and making a significant positive impact on their workforce, industry, and the wider community in Greater Manchester.
Community Initiative of the Year
The Community Initiative of the Year Award celebrates a project or programme that has made a significant impact on local communities through skills development or training. This award recognises an initiative that demonstrates innovation, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to addressing community needs. The winning initiative will have successfully empowered individuals, fostered community engagement, and contributed to the overall betterment of their local community.
Outstanding Innovation of the Year
The Outstanding Innovation of the Year Award recognises a groundbreaking initiative or approach that has significantly advanced skills development or training. This award celebrates an individual, team, or organisation that has introduced innovative practices, technologies, or programmes that have transformed learning experiences and outcomes. The winning innovation will have demonstrated creativity, forward-thinking, and a substantial positive impact on learners, educators, or the wider community in Greater Manchester. The innovation could be related to, but not limited to, Green & Sustainable Development, AI or Digital/Online Learning.
Partnership Project of the Year
The Partnership Project of the Year Award celebrates a collaborative initiative that demonstrates exceptional success in advancing skills and training through effective partnerships. This award celebrates a project or initiative that brings together stakeholders. Stakeholders could include (but is not limited to) Training Providers (of all types), Employers, Local Authorities, Schools, or other key sector organisations. The winning partnership project will have shown innovation, strong collaboration, and a significant positive impact on learners, the workforce, and the wider community in Greater Manchester.
Find out more & submit your nomination here!
Eligibility
Eligibility for each award differs (see website for more information), but nominations must come from a GMLPN or GMCC member.