Innovation Commendation
We offer an additional commendation for employers who receive an Award and have demonstrated a significant innovation in their training programme.This commendation is assessed through the submitted application and supporting evidence and is announced at the ceremony each year.
2025 Innovation commendations
CH&CO
Investing in data accuracy
Hospitality | 1000+ employees | London
CH&CO, a major hospitality business, tackled recruitment and retention challenges post-Covid by creating the Apprenticeship Academy. This initiative maximised the apprenticeship levy to build a talent pipeline and offer development opportunities to all staff. A key innovation was the Harvest system, developed by a data apprentice using Microsoft tools to consolidate apprenticeship data previously scattered across spreadsheets. Harvest improved data accuracy, security, and accessibility while saving 1,364 administrative hours annually – equivalent to £26,366 in cost savings. This scalable solution demonstrates how leveraging existing technology can streamline processes and enhance workforce development.
Clarkson Evans
Creating an innovative talent pipeline
Construction and building services | 250 – 999 employees | Gloucester
Clarkson Evans, the UK’s largest electrical and solar contractor, expanded its apprenticeship programme to meet post-pandemic workforce needs and support nationwide growth from 12 to 21 branches. With over 300 apprentices enrolled in 2025, the scheme now includes training in green technologies like solar PV and domestic ventilation. Specialist training facilities increased from three to five since 2017, and the programme boasts a 77% attainment rate. Over five years, 353 participants completed training, with more than 100 still employed. This long-term, future-focused approach ensures career progression, adaptability to renewable energy trends, and sustained talent development.
Costa Coffee
Equipping baristas for enhanced coffee experience
Hospitality | 1000+ employees | Loudwater
Costa Coffee addressed pandemic-driven challenges, high turnover and inconsistent customer experience, by launching the Core Coffee Programme in 2023. This hands-on, standardised training goes beyond machine operation, fostering baristas’ passion for coffee and brand values. All baristas learn ethical sourcing, grinding, tasting, and brewing to meet Costa Check standards. A standout feature is sensorial analysis, a scientific method using sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing to evaluate coffee quality. This innovative approach empowers baristas to deliver consistent, high-quality experiences, with 1,400 employees trained since launch, strengthening customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
Faculty
Bridging academia and industry through AI talent
Technology | 250 – 999 employees | London
Faculty, an AI consultancy, created the Faculty Fellowship to help PhD and postdoctoral researchers transition into commercial data science roles. Since 2014, over 500 Fellows have trained across 32 cohorts, with 98% securing AI positions in industry. Faculty integrates consultancy insights and market trends into training, ensuring relevance and cutting-edge skills. This programme not only supplies talent for Faculty’s own growth, achieving 30% annual expansion and increasing staff from 150 to nearly 400m but also supports over 300 companies. The Fellowship exemplifies innovation in bridging academia and industry while building a robust AI talent pipeline.
Gower College Swansea
Adopting an inclusive work culture
Education and training | 1000+ employees | Swansea
Facing high sickness rates linked to menopausal symptoms, Gower College Swansea launched a comprehensive initiative to foster inclusivity and wellbeing. Measures included menopause awareness sessions for managers, specialist clinics, and access to Balance+. A unique innovation was Menovest, a wearable device simulating menopausal symptoms, enabling 50 male colleagues to develop empathy and understanding. This cultural shift reduced sickness costs from £400,057 to £120,174 and saved £54,000 for NHS services. The programme demonstrates how targeted health interventions and empathy-building tools can transform workplace culture and deliver measurable financial and wellbeing benefits.
HM Land Registry
Using digital tools to transform training
Public sector (LAs and NHS) | 1000+ employees | Durham
HM Land Registry faced knowledge loss as experienced staff retired and recruitment challenges grew. In response, it launched the LRA in 2021, appointing senior trainers and creating a nine-month development pathway for Higher Registration Officers. A key innovation was an in-house digital system that identifies suitable casework for training by topic, age, and customer, using logic-based dashboards. This streamlined approach ensures learners access relevant work efficiently, reducing manual effort and improving training quality. The system’s success has led to adoption beyond training and plans for integration with capability matrices, showcasing scalable digital innovation.
P. Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Ltd
Skills Bootcamp Transforming Sector
Construction and engineering | 250 – 999 employees | Wembley
P. Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Ltd addressed national construction skills shortages through its employer-led Skills Bootcamp. As the first DfE-funded bootcamp delivered by an employer, it combines hands-on machine training with AI-powered simulators, digital e-learning, and bespoke materials. The programme emphasises inclusion and progression, supported by an internal trainer pipeline and robust feedback loops. This immersive, tech-driven approach enhances learning outcomes, future proofs the workforce, and sets a new industry benchmark. By embedding innovation into strategy, Flannery demonstrates how simulation and digital tools can revolutionise skills development in construction.
Pathways CIC
Integrating work and health
Charities and not-for-profit | <50 employees | Crewe
Pathways CIC, a social enterprise, developed an integrated Work and Health training programme for non-clinical coaches. The initiative addresses siloed advice by equipping staff with cross-disciplinary skills to support clients managing complex health conditions while remaining in or returning to work. Aligned with NHS guidance and national policy, the programme fosters confidence, competence, and resilience among coaches, enabling personalised interventions for working-age adults. Its success has attracted interest from three councils seeking similar training. This innovative approach bridges health and employment, delivering sustainable outcomes for individuals and communities.
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Building confidence in international doctors
Public sector (LAs and NHS) | 1000+ employees | Wolverhampton
Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust identified higher clinical incident rates among International Medical Graduates (IMGs) due to cultural and communication gaps. To address this, it introduced scenario-based learning blended with Adult Learning Theory, replicating immersive methods common in UK training but often absent in IMGs’ prior education. This programme improves soft skills, confidence, and understanding of patient and colleague interactions. Results include measurable reductions in clinical incidents and regional replication of the approach. By tailoring training to overlooked needs, the Trust enhances safety, inclusion, and professional development for IMGs.
The Chapter of York
Preserving heritage through technology
Heritage crafts | 50 – 249 employees | York
York Minster revolutionised stonemasonry by integrating CNC machining with traditional craft. Roughing out stone, previously a 75-hour manual task, now takes 4.25 hours, reducing total production time by 35%. With no prior training for CNC use in Gothic stonework, York Minster partnered with stone yards to develop methods and upskill three masonry experts in digital technology. Collaborations across Europe and North America shaped a flexible learning programme, overcoming skepticism through transparency and knowledge-sharing. This initiative preserves heritage while embracing innovation, positioning York Minster as a global leader in blending craft and technology.