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What Does Award-Winning Training Look Like?

Join host Polly Rowe for an in-depth look at what training excellence really looks like across a range of sectors — and why the most successful organisations place skills development at the heart of their strategy.

In this episode, Polly is joined by Candice Gardner, Education Manager for Learning and Content at the award-winning Dermalogica UK, and Remi Ogunleye, former Awards Manager and now Contracts and Partnerships Manager at City & Guilds, as they take a deep dive into the stories behind award-winning training programmes, from organisations of all sizes – even those with limited resources.

Key Takeaways You'll Discover:

• Why excellence in training creates measurable business impact when learning is linked to outcomes
• How organisations of any size can achieve excellence through creativity and innovation
• The “grow or go” principle shows that staff are more likely to stay when they have opportunities to develop
• Immersive, experience-based training is the future – creativity is key!

Whether you're in HR, L&D, or simply passionate about skills, this episode offers inspiration and practical insight into what makes training truly exceptional.

For more about the Princess Royal Training Awards or to learn how to apply, visit: Princess Royal Training Awards

Listen to more episodes in the Foundation & Friends podcast series, here.

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How can we better equip young people with essential, future-ready skills?

Why are nearly a million young people in the UK not in employment, education, or training, and what role do "durable skills" play in this persistent problem?

Join us as we welcome expert guests Andrea Barry from Youth Futures Foundation and Ema Marinho, Early Careers Lead at William Hare, for a candid discussion. Discover:

• Why there's a perceived "disconnect" between education and employers, even when young people have good grades.
• The critical role of mentorship and post-recruitment support in enabling young people to thrive in the workplace.
• How systemic issues, including financial barriers and varied awareness, particularly impact young people from ethnic minority backgrounds seeking apprenticeships.
• Bold ideas for encouraging more employers, especially SMEs, to engage with and support young apprentices.

This mini-series finale, hosted by co-hosts Bryony Kingsland, (City & Guilds), and Gavin O'Meara (FE News), dives into a challenge affecting every sector and every age group in the workforce: Durable Skills.

This episode offers vital insights for anyone involved in skills development, education, or employment. Tune in to explore the systemic challenges — and discover actionable solutions for building a future-ready workforce where no one falls through the gaps.

Listen now and gain a deeper understanding of how we can collectively empower the next generation!

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

Making Skills Work: The Path to Solving the Productivity Crisis - report

📢 Listen now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of skills.

Listen today, or watch on YouTube

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Tackle the industry's skills shortages and stay ahead of the curve by listening to this critical episode of Future skills!

Whether you're a professional working in the construction and infrastructure industry or an SME looking to access training support, or a large employer needing to collaborate more effectively with providers, this episode is packed with fresh thinking on how to better tackle workforce shortages and future-proof businesses. The panel also look ahead to the impact of AI—reminding us why traditional skills, backed by digital adaptability, remain essential in the face of rapid change.

Discover how to:

• Attract diverse talent and expand your workforce beyond traditional recruitment channels
• Implement flexible apprenticeship programmes that meet industry needs and retain top talent
• Leverage digital transformation to drive innovation and efficiency in your organisation

In this thought-provoking episode of Future skills, hosts Bryony Kingsland and Gavin O’Meara are joined by industry leaders to unpack the pressing issues shaping construction and infrastructure today. From widening access and inclusion, to navigating the realities of shorter apprenticeships and the evolving role of SMEs, this conversation offers sharp insight and real-world solutions.

By listening to this episode, you'll gain valuable insights from industry experts so don't miss out on this essential conversation!

Special thanks to our guests: Jon Hornagold, Apprenticeship Manager at Amey, and Jason Howe, Technical Advisor for Construction and Utilities at City & Guilds.

For further information about the material quoted in this episode visit:

Making Skills Work: The Path to Solving the Productivity Crisis - report

📢 Listen now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of skills.

Listen today, or watch on YouTube