Last year’s winners showed exactly what LCL Awards - ‘The Awards’ is all about
21 May 2026
From innovation in training delivery to life-changing community projects and outstanding learner achievement, the 2025 winners demonstrated the passion, commitment and impact happening across LCL Awards approved centres every day.
As entries for ‘The Awards’ 2026 continue to roll in, we’re taking a look back at some of the incredible stories behind last year’s winning entries - and the reasons they impressed our panel of independent industry judges.
Whether you’re considering entering for the first time or looking for inspiration for your next submission, these centres prove that great work deserves recognition.
Let’s meet the 2025 winners…
Trainee of the Year: Hayden Inglis – Gas Certification Company
A new award category for 2025, Trainee of the Year celebrated learners who have gone above and beyond throughout their training journey.
The winner, Hayden Inglis, impressed the judges with his enthusiasm, passion and willingness to help others succeed. They were particularly struck by his initiative, noting this “set him in good stead to be a great asset for any future employer.”
Completing his Commercial MLP & ACS training through Gas Certification Company after his apprenticeship at Glasgow Kelvin College, Hayden was recognised as a future star of the industry.
His tutor, Jo Kelly from Gas Certification Company, highlighted Hayden’s maturity and initiative, which helped him secure the trophy:
“Hayden’s abilities to fault-find and offer considered solutions set him apart. He takes initiative in problem-solving, often researching technical issues independently and sharing his findings with mentoring engineers and peers.
“There are numerous instances where Hayden has gone above and beyond in supporting fellow apprentices when they’ve found things difficult. His skills in peer mentorship reflect his maturity and you can see he has a genuine desire to see others thrive.”
Community Engagement Award: KER Training
KER Training took home another of our new Awards - Community Engagement, for its inspiring Pathways Programme, helping young people disillusioned high school students discover opportunities in the building services sector.
Working alongside North Lanarkshire Council and local schools, the programme gives students practical experience across plumbing, gas, renewables and electrical training - helping build confidence, skills and future career opportunities.
The judges praised the centre for “Their initiative in picking up youngsters disengaged from school learning, in order to give them new meaning and purpose.”
Elaine Reilly from KER Training explained the impact the programme has on young people:
“Some of them have not enjoyed their school experience and their confidence can be low. We find that they enjoy learning skills that will be useful in later life, in a non-school environment. They begin to realise that if you’re prepared to work hard, you can gain the know-how to progress. It’s wonderful to see them blossom.”
The programme also demonstrates how centres can make a genuine difference beyond training delivery alone. By introducing young people to careers in building services at an early stage, KER Training is helping tackle skills shortages, encourage progression into apprenticeships and inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople while promoting the importance of sustainable technologies and practices for future-ready careers.
Electrical Centre of the Year: Bespoke Electrical Training
Shortlisted in 2024, Bespoke Electrical Training made a strong comeback in 2025, claiming the title of Electrical Centre of the Year.
The judges were impressed by the centre’s learner-first approach, commitment to high standards and ability to prepare learners for real-world industry demands. Their investment in training methods, small class sizes and tailored learner support demonstrated a genuine commitment to helping every individual succeed.
Presenting the award, Brett Forster, Head of Training at NAPIT, praised:
“Their consistent commitment to high standards and the attention they pay to individual learners, ensuring no one gets left behind.”
The centre also stood out for its forward-thinking approach to industry change, ensuring learners are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever evolving electrical sector.
“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.”
Their story shows that success doesn’t always happen overnight. Sometimes, being shortlisted is just the beginning.
Innovation Award: Staffordshire Training Services
Innovation was front and centre for Staffordshire Training Services, whose use of augmented reality (AR) training technology wowed the judges.
By allowing learners to experience real-world scenarios safely through immersive virtual environments, the centre demonstrated how technology can enhance engagement, confidence and problem-solving skills. Their approach showed how innovation training methods can support different learning styles, improve knowledge retention and better prepare learners for situations they may face on site.
The judges had this to say:
“This is a brilliant way to put learners into real situations but keep them safe at the same time. AR can be used to create any scenario, to help with problem solving.”
Their willingness to invest in emerging technology to improve the learner experience and keep training relevant within an industry changing at pace, secured their win. Their forward-thinking approach perfectly captured what the Innovation Award is designed to celebrate: centres that push boundaries and continually improve learner outcomes.
Green Centre of the Year: GTEC Training
GTEC Training impressed judges with its commitment to preparing installers for the transition towards low-carbon and renewable technologies.
From renewable technology training to embedding sustainability into everyday operations, GTEC demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting the industry’s journey towards net zero. The centre’s investment in specialist training facilities and focus on upskilling installers in heat pumps, solar PV and battery storage caught the judge’s attention, describing GTEC as:
“A prime example of how a training centre can lead the way in preparing the installer base for the challenges of decarbonisation.”
GTEC also demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring learners understand not only how to install renewable technologies, but why these skills are becoming increasingly important within the wider industry transition towards sustainability and energy efficiency.
Their win highlighted the growing importance of green skills and the vital role training centres play in shaping the future workforce.
Inclusivity Award: GTEC Training
It wasn’t just sustainability where GTEC stood out. The centre also claimed the Inclusivity Award for creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment for people from all backgrounds.
Judges praised the centre’s tailored support, accessible facilities and genuine commitment to inclusivity across all areas of training delivery. Their focus on removing barriers to learning and adapting support to meet individual learner needs particularly resonated with the panel.
Their entry was recognised for “Demonstrating a true level of understanding of inclusivity.”
The judges were also impressed by the culture across GTEC - one where learners feel supported, valued and encouraged to succeed regardless of their background or previous experience.
The win reinforced an important message close to the heart of LCL Awards - that great training should be accessible, supportive and empowering for everyone.
Could your centre be a 2026 winner?
The 2025 winners showcased the incredible work happening across the LCL Awards network - from supporting learners and embracing innovation to strengthening communities and driving sustainability.
And, of course, the celebrations on the night weren’t bad either!
Entries for LCL Awards - ‘The Awards’ 2026 are open now. There are 7 awards up for grabs - with categories recognising centres, learners and initiatives making a real impact across the industry.
Could your centre be taking home a 2026 trophy? If you’ve been thinking about entering, take inspiration from last year’s winners and tell us your story.
Entries close on 5th June 2026.
Find out more and enter here: LCL Awards - ‘The Awards’ 2026
From innovation in training delivery to life-changing community projects and outstanding learner achievement, the 2025 winners demonstrated the passion, commitment and impact happening across LCL Awards approved centres every day.
As entries for ‘The Awards’ 2026 continue to roll in, we’re taking a look back at some of the incredible stories behind last year’s winning entries - and the reasons they impressed our panel of independent industry judges.
Whether you’re considering entering for the first time or looking for inspiration for your next submission, these centres prove that great work deserves recognition.
Let’s meet the 2025 winners…
Trainee of the Year: Hayden Inglis – Gas Certification Company
A new award category for 2025, Trainee of the Year celebrated learners who have gone above and beyond throughout their training journey.
The winner, Hayden Inglis, impressed the judges with his enthusiasm, passion and willingness to help others succeed. They were particularly struck by his initiative, noting this “set him in good stead to be a great asset for any future employer.”
Completing his Commercial MLP & ACS training through Gas Certification Company after his apprenticeship at Glasgow Kelvin College, Hayden was recognised as a future star of the industry.
His tutor, Jo Kelly from Gas Certification Company, highlighted Hayden’s maturity and initiative, which helped him secure the trophy:
“Hayden’s abilities to fault-find and offer considered solutions set him apart. He takes initiative in problem-solving, often researching technical issues independently and sharing his findings with mentoring engineers and peers.
“There are numerous instances where Hayden has gone above and beyond in supporting fellow apprentices when they’ve found things difficult. His skills in peer mentorship reflect his maturity and you can see he has a genuine desire to see others thrive.”
Community Engagement Award: KER Training
KER Training took home another of our new Awards - Community Engagement, for its inspiring Pathways Programme, helping young people disillusioned high school students discover opportunities in the building services sector.
Working alongside North Lanarkshire Council and local schools, the programme gives students practical experience across plumbing, gas, renewables and electrical training - helping build confidence, skills and future career opportunities.
The judges praised the centre for “Their initiative in picking up youngsters disengaged from school learning, in order to give them new meaning and purpose.”
Elaine Reilly from KER Training explained the impact the programme has on young people:
“Some of them have not enjoyed their school experience and their confidence can be low. We find that they enjoy learning skills that will be useful in later life, in a non-school environment. They begin to realise that if you’re prepared to work hard, you can gain the know-how to progress. It’s wonderful to see them blossom.”
The programme also demonstrates how centres can make a genuine difference beyond training delivery alone. By introducing young people to careers in building services at an early stage, KER Training is helping tackle skills shortages, encourage progression into apprenticeships and inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople while promoting the importance of sustainable technologies and practices for future-ready careers.
Electrical Centre of the Year: Bespoke Electrical Training
Shortlisted in 2024, Bespoke Electrical Training made a strong comeback in 2025, claiming the title of Electrical Centre of the Year.
The judges were impressed by the centre’s learner-first approach, commitment to high standards and ability to prepare learners for real-world industry demands. Their investment in training methods, small class sizes and tailored learner support demonstrated a genuine commitment to helping every individual succeed.
Presenting the award, Brett Forster, Head of Training at NAPIT, praised:
“Their consistent commitment to high standards and the attention they pay to individual learners, ensuring no one gets left behind.”
The centre also stood out for its forward-thinking approach to industry change, ensuring learners are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever evolving electrical sector.
“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.”
Their story shows that success doesn’t always happen overnight. Sometimes, being shortlisted is just the beginning.
Innovation Award: Staffordshire Training Services
Innovation was front and centre for Staffordshire Training Services, whose use of augmented reality (AR) training technology wowed the judges.
By allowing learners to experience real-world scenarios safely through immersive virtual environments, the centre demonstrated how technology can enhance engagement, confidence and problem-solving skills. Their approach showed how innovation training methods can support different learning styles, improve knowledge retention and better prepare learners for situations they may face on site.
The judges had this to say:
“This is a brilliant way to put learners into real situations but keep them safe at the same time. AR can be used to create any scenario, to help with problem solving.”
Their willingness to invest in emerging technology to improve the learner experience and keep training relevant within an industry changing at pace, secured their win. Their forward-thinking approach perfectly captured what the Innovation Award is designed to celebrate: centres that push boundaries and continually improve learner outcomes.
Green Centre of the Year: GTEC Training
GTEC Training impressed judges with its commitment to preparing installers for the transition towards low-carbon and renewable technologies.
From renewable technology training to embedding sustainability into everyday operations, GTEC demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting the industry’s journey towards net zero. The centre’s investment in specialist training facilities and focus on upskilling installers in heat pumps, solar PV and battery storage caught the judge’s attention, describing GTEC as:
“A prime example of how a training centre can lead the way in preparing the installer base for the challenges of decarbonisation.”
GTEC also demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring learners understand not only how to install renewable technologies, but why these skills are becoming increasingly important within the wider industry transition towards sustainability and energy efficiency.
Their win highlighted the growing importance of green skills and the vital role training centres play in shaping the future workforce.
Inclusivity Award: GTEC Training
It wasn’t just sustainability where GTEC stood out. The centre also claimed the Inclusivity Award for creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment for people from all backgrounds.
Judges praised the centre’s tailored support, accessible facilities and genuine commitment to inclusivity across all areas of training delivery. Their focus on removing barriers to learning and adapting support to meet individual learner needs particularly resonated with the panel.
Their entry was recognised for “Demonstrating a true level of understanding of inclusivity.”
The judges were also impressed by the culture across GTEC - one where learners feel supported, valued and encouraged to succeed regardless of their background or previous experience.
The win reinforced an important message close to the heart of LCL Awards - that great training should be accessible, supportive and empowering for everyone.
Could your centre be a 2026 winner?
The 2025 winners showcased the incredible work happening across the LCL Awards network - from supporting learners and embracing innovation to strengthening communities and driving sustainability.
And, of course, the celebrations on the night weren’t bad either!
Entries for LCL Awards - ‘The Awards’ 2026 are open now. There are 7 awards up for grabs - with categories recognising centres, learners and initiatives making a real impact across the industry.
Could your centre be taking home a 2026 trophy? If you’ve been thinking about entering, take inspiration from last year’s winners and tell us your story.
Entries close on 5th June 2026.
Find out more and enter here: LCL Awards - ‘The Awards’ 2026