The college was personally presented with the award by Skills Academy Chief Executive Liz McSheehy.

"I am delighted to be visiting South Birmingham College to present them with their Certificate of Recognition which signifies a real achievement highlighting the college's dedication to maintaining high levels of training standards in this sector," said Ms McSheehy.

The National Skills Academy for Social Care, which is heavily driven by employers, focuses on leadership management and commissioning and modelling excellence in learning, in adult social care.

They aim to promote and support learning and training for the 1.6 million workers they represent and their employers.

The new endorsement framework, which was launched in May, is part of the Skills Academy's aspiration to make social care a career of choice for learners.

It was designed as a continuous improvement tool, and it consists of two levels - Recognition and Excellence.

Birmingham College's assistant director of health and social care, Moira Mees, said: "We are deservedly proud of achieving Recognition and of the high-quality training we provide.

"In the current climate employers need to be certain that when they spend money on training their employees will achieve the outcomes they expect, and our recognition status means employers know they will get this with South Birmingham College."

(Pictured L-R: Skills Academy CEO Liz McSheehy with South Birmingham College Principal Glynis Nicholson)

Mark Astley