“It doesn’t stop at certification!” West Midlands training company wins LCL Awards Electrical Centre Award
22 Jul 2025
Don Cross of Bespoke Training was delighted to win the Electrical Centre Award at our recent Awards event in Birmingham, particularly as his company was short-listed for the same award last year.
Bespoke Electrical Training was up against stiff competition from GTEC and Universal Skills but swept the board. The trophy was presented by one of our judges, Brett Forster, Head of Training at NAPIT, who commented on the company’s consistent commitment to high standards and the attention they pay to individual learners, ensuring no one gets left behind.
Don Cross spoke to us about what winning the award means to him and his colleagues:
“We’re so thrilled to have won this year. Being shortlisted for last year’s award gave us the impetus to really push for if this time. It focussed our attention on improvements we’ve made to the centre and course delivery - encouraging us to be even better.
“That being said, winning came as a bit of a surprise. We’ve only been going five years and the other nominees for this category are much bigger companies, so when we were announced as the winners, I couldn’t believe it! I’m so pleased that the judges recognise how hard we work to get our tailored approach across.
“Because we’re small, we’re able to concentrate on the individual learner and I believe this gives us an edge. Our approach combines expert instruction, industry-aligned content, rigorous quality assurance, and a learner-first ethos which ensures every individual who trains with us leaves not just qualified, but truly competent - and confident.
“Specialising in electrical training, we deliver a wide range of qualifications covering everything from domestic installation to advanced inspection and testing, as well as future- focused technologies like solar PV, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. We recognise that excellence in electrical training today requires a dual focus: mastery of traditional domestic skills and fluency in emerging, future-proof technologies.
“Our training model is built to reflect the real-world demands of the industry—where electricians must be able to rewire a home one day and install a solar PV system or EV charger the next. This integrated approach has helped our learners expand their services and increase employability. Many have gone on to work on new-build developments, retrofit projects, and commercial green energy contracts, and some have even launched their own businesses.
“We believe the future of the electrical industry belongs to those who are prepared to adapt, innovate, and lead. That’s why we have built a training model specifically designed to equip electricians with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive in what is a constantly evolving sector. Our learners leave ready for the job.
“Partnerships with industry bodies like ECA, NICEIC, and local enterprise networks allow us to align training with emerging industry needs. Input from employers and manufacturers ensures our learners are not only gaining up-to-date knowledge but training on the latest equipment, tools, and systems. Our purpose-built facility is equipped with live solar PV systems, battery storage units, and EV chargers, allowing learners to work directly with technology they will encounter in the field. This immersive, hands-on approach enhances understanding and knowledge retention, allowing learners to install, commission, and troubleshoot the very systems that define the green economy.
“The training materials we use are developed and updated in-house by our team of electrical specialists. Our instructors hold current industry experience and maintain continuous professional development (CPD), often engaging in forums, trade events, and regulatory briefings to keep them at the forefront of the industry.
“Our commitment to quality assurance is embedded in our daily operations. We conduct regular internal audits, peer reviews, and actively collect and analyse learner feedback to identify areas for enhancement. We use this data to inform everything from curriculum updates to teaching strategies and work closely with LCL Awards to ensure compliance and uphold the integrity of our assessments.
“It doesn’t stop at certification and it’s not just about passing exams. We’re here to ensure the lifelong success of our learners, helping them develop sustainable careers with wraparound support that includes post-course mentoring, career advice, and signposting to further qualifications or professional accreditations. We’ve found this long-term support creates a strong alumni community and helps foster professional resilience and growth.
“To enhance levels of engagement we offer flexible course delivery, including blended learning options, to accommodate different learning styles and personal circumstances.
“We understand that traditional learning pathways don’t suit everyone, so we’ve developed flexible course structures that cater to new entrants, career changers, and working adults. We offer weekend, evening, and intensive course options to make training accessible. This has proven particularly beneficial for parents, those transitioning from other industries, and people looking to retrain while still employed. We have helped individuals from sectors like hospitality, logistics, and the armed forces to successfully transition into electrical careers, starting with pre-course advice which helps them shape realistic expectations.
“We’re committed to opening the trade to underrepresented groups, including women and those from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds. By fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment and highlighting real success stories, we aim to challenge outdated stereotypes and show that the electrical industry is a place for everyone.
“At Bespoke Electrical Training, inspiring and supporting the next generation isn’t a side initiative, it’s at the heart of what we do. We’re proud to play a role in building a stronger, more diverse, and future-ready workforce and proud to work with LCL Awards in delivering the best electrical training there is!”
To find out more about Bespoke Electrical Training and the work they do in the West Midlands, please click here. To find out more about LCL Awards’ range of electrical qualifications, please click here.
Don Cross of Bespoke Training was delighted to win the Electrical Centre Award at our recent Awards event in Birmingham, particularly as his company was short-listed for the same award last year.
Bespoke Electrical Training was up against stiff competition from GTEC and Universal Skills but swept the board. The trophy was presented by one of our judges, Brett Forster, Head of Training at NAPIT, who commented on the company’s consistent commitment to high standards and the attention they pay to individual learners, ensuring no one gets left behind.
Don Cross spoke to us about what winning the award means to him and his colleagues:
“We’re so thrilled to have won this year. Being shortlisted for last year’s award gave us the impetus to really push for if this time. It focussed our attention on improvements we’ve made to the centre and course delivery - encouraging us to be even better.
“That being said, winning came as a bit of a surprise. We’ve only been going five years and the other nominees for this category are much bigger companies, so when we were announced as the winners, I couldn’t believe it! I’m so pleased that the judges recognise how hard we work to get our tailored approach across.
“Because we’re small, we’re able to concentrate on the individual learner and I believe this gives us an edge. Our approach combines expert instruction, industry-aligned content, rigorous quality assurance, and a learner-first ethos which ensures every individual who trains with us leaves not just qualified, but truly competent - and confident.
“Specialising in electrical training, we deliver a wide range of qualifications covering everything from domestic installation to advanced inspection and testing, as well as future- focused technologies like solar PV, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. We recognise that excellence in electrical training today requires a dual focus: mastery of traditional domestic skills and fluency in emerging, future-proof technologies.
“Our training model is built to reflect the real-world demands of the industry—where electricians must be able to rewire a home one day and install a solar PV system or EV charger the next. This integrated approach has helped our learners expand their services and increase employability. Many have gone on to work on new-build developments, retrofit projects, and commercial green energy contracts, and some have even launched their own businesses.
“We believe the future of the electrical industry belongs to those who are prepared to adapt, innovate, and lead. That’s why we have built a training model specifically designed to equip electricians with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive in what is a constantly evolving sector. Our learners leave ready for the job.
“Partnerships with industry bodies like ECA, NICEIC, and local enterprise networks allow us to align training with emerging industry needs. Input from employers and manufacturers ensures our learners are not only gaining up-to-date knowledge but training on the latest equipment, tools, and systems. Our purpose-built facility is equipped with live solar PV systems, battery storage units, and EV chargers, allowing learners to work directly with technology they will encounter in the field. This immersive, hands-on approach enhances understanding and knowledge retention, allowing learners to install, commission, and troubleshoot the very systems that define the green economy.
“The training materials we use are developed and updated in-house by our team of electrical specialists. Our instructors hold current industry experience and maintain continuous professional development (CPD), often engaging in forums, trade events, and regulatory briefings to keep them at the forefront of the industry.
“Our commitment to quality assurance is embedded in our daily operations. We conduct regular internal audits, peer reviews, and actively collect and analyse learner feedback to identify areas for enhancement. We use this data to inform everything from curriculum updates to teaching strategies and work closely with LCL Awards to ensure compliance and uphold the integrity of our assessments.
“It doesn’t stop at certification and it’s not just about passing exams. We’re here to ensure the lifelong success of our learners, helping them develop sustainable careers with wraparound support that includes post-course mentoring, career advice, and signposting to further qualifications or professional accreditations. We’ve found this long-term support creates a strong alumni community and helps foster professional resilience and growth.
“To enhance levels of engagement we offer flexible course delivery, including blended learning options, to accommodate different learning styles and personal circumstances.
“We understand that traditional learning pathways don’t suit everyone, so we’ve developed flexible course structures that cater to new entrants, career changers, and working adults. We offer weekend, evening, and intensive course options to make training accessible. This has proven particularly beneficial for parents, those transitioning from other industries, and people looking to retrain while still employed. We have helped individuals from sectors like hospitality, logistics, and the armed forces to successfully transition into electrical careers, starting with pre-course advice which helps them shape realistic expectations.
“We’re committed to opening the trade to underrepresented groups, including women and those from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds. By fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment and highlighting real success stories, we aim to challenge outdated stereotypes and show that the electrical industry is a place for everyone.
“At Bespoke Electrical Training, inspiring and supporting the next generation isn’t a side initiative, it’s at the heart of what we do. We’re proud to play a role in building a stronger, more diverse, and future-ready workforce and proud to work with LCL Awards in delivering the best electrical training there is!”
To find out more about Bespoke Electrical Training and the work they do in the West Midlands, please click here. To find out more about LCL Awards’ range of electrical qualifications, please click here.