Myerscough’s apprenticeship provision wins national award

Myerscough’s sportsturf provision was named winner in the Outstanding Apprenticeship Programme category, recognising the most impactful and innovative apprenticeship programme an employer provider or training provider delivers.

An independent panel of expert judges met and assessed more than 650 nominations from employers, training providers, colleges and universities.

Myerscough was announced as a winner at the Apprenticeships and Training Conference gala dinner and awards evening last week.

Run jointly by industry publication FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), and delivered in partnership with City and Guilds, the ninth annual awards celebrate best-in-class training, outstanding outreach and exceptional employer partnerships.

The awards recognised SME and large employers, outstanding apprenticeship programmes, best use of technology and employer support for social mobility.

Shane Mann, chair of ATA judging panel and chief executive of FE Week’s publisher EducationScape, said: “These awards celebrate the very best in apprenticeships, training and workforce development. We had a record-breaking number of entries and every year the sector raises the bar in quality, ambition and innovation.

“Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to our team of amazing judges, sponsors and partners. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

It follows a parliamentary reception earlier last month, during National Apprenticeships Week, where all finalists were honoured at a reception in the House of Lords, hosted by former education secretary Baroness Nicky Morgan.

Paul McGrail, Executive Director and Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships, Skills and Employer Engagement at Myerscough College, said: “This recognition is a direct reflection of the commitment, passion and professionalism of our entire apprenticeship team.

“Their relentless focus on quality, innovation and learner success is what makes Myerscough stand out nationally. Without their dedication, this achievement simply would not be possible.”

“To be recognised nationally for our Sportsturf Apprenticeships is a tremendous achievement for the College and our employer partners. It confirms what the sector already knows – that Myerscough is leading the way in developing the skilled, future-ready workforce the industry urgently needs.”

The College’s submission focused on its Sports Turf Apprenticeships, where Myerscough is widely recognised as the leading provider in the UK.

With a 35% national market share and 526 apprentices currently enrolled, the programme has been setting the benchmark for quality and innovation for more than 26 years. During that time, Myerscough has supported over 5,100 apprentices, helping to shape the future workforce of the £1 billion sportsturf industry.

The judges were particularly impressed by the programme’s demonstrable impact on learners and employers. Outcomes show that 97.1% of apprentices progress into positive destinations, while 100% report gaining career-enhancing skills.

The programme is closely aligned to industry needs. Myerscough plays a leading role in national Sports Turf Trailblazer groups, helping to shape apprenticeship standards and assessment models across the sector.

Being shortlisted places Myerscough College alongside a small group of elite providers recognised for excellence in apprenticeship delivery at a national level.

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