National Training Awards celebrate winners at awards ceremony

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Among the 55 National Training Award winners from across the UK who were celebrated at a gala ceremony at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on 13 December, was North Trafford College in partnership with Balfour Beatty Utilities Ltd.

Sports presenter Sue Barker presented the winners with their trophies at the event. She said: “I”d like to congratulate each National Training Award winner on their success. Anyone can train, just as in sport, but the only way you are going to reap the rewards is if youre committed to developing new skills and putting them into practice. The winners have done just that and can feel very proud of what they have achieved.”

UK Skills runs the awards on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. UK Skills Chief Executive, Simon Bartley, said: “Many different businesses and individuals have been celebrated for their training success since these awards began 21 years ago. While training methods and winners have changed over the years, one thing that hasn”t changed with these awards is how targeted training transforms companies, careers and communities.”

The National Training Awards celebrate businesses, organisations and individuals that achieve outstanding success through training and development. They are sponsored by City & Guilds, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the Learning and Skills Council, and are supported by Investors in People.

Entries for the 2008 National Training Awards open in January. There will be a new look to the awards in 2008, to reflect the changes from the 1980s when the first NTAs were given out, as Simon Bartley explains: “Technological changes such as the internet and email have transformed how we do business and live our lives. There is also now an increasing demand for skills to ensure the UK prospers economically and socially.

“To reflect the needs of a 21st century economy and society, we”re unveiling a new look National Training Awards for 2008. These changes also reflect a “coming of age” for the awards which turn 21 this year.

“The entry process will be simpler and we”ve also introduced six new categories of award to recognise individuals, collaborative partnerships, small to large employers, and organisations that provide education and training.”

For more information phone 0800 0191 475 or visit www.nationaltrainingawards.com.