Salford City College Group has made it through as a finalist in the prestigious AoC Beacon Awards.

The College's work on the Public Sector Leadership programme in collaboration with Greater Manchester Councils has seen the College be one of three finalists for the  ‘City & Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers' award.

The programme aims to ensure that the public sector is supported in meeting their strategic visions and are in a position to respond to ever changing environment through development of strong, value-based leadership and a vibrant, innovative and inclusive culture.

With these needs in mind, the programme provides the opportunity for both Local Authorities, supported by the provider to maximise the effectiveness and impact of leadership development through apprenticeships.

Association of Colleges’ Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year. This award, supported by City & Guilds seeks to recognise examples of colleges who are responsive to the needs of employers and their region, demonstrate a whole college approach and who demonstrate systematic networking and collaboration with other organisations.

Rebecca Parks, Acting Principal at Salford City College Group, commented: "Salford City College Group is committed to working closely with employers to ensure all apprentices and students receive the best possible learning experience and opportunities to enhance their future careers. The announcement that we are now a finalist for this Beacon Award indicates the real quality that underpins these relationships with employers."

Mark White OBE DL, Chair of AoC’s Charitable Trust said: “The AoC Beacon Awards showcase exactly why colleges are so important to every community and why people value them. This award recognises a whole college approach to meeting the training, development and recruitment needs of many employers. The work of the finalist colleges and their engagement with employers show how vital they are to helping the economy develop skills for growth.”

The finalists will now virtually host the City & Guilds assessment team early next year which will determine the judges' final decisions for the winners.