Leeds College of Building and BAM Shortlisted for Apprenticeship Award

Local partnership recognised in national training awards

A longstanding collaboration between Leeds College of Building (LCB) and construction firm BAM has been shortlisted for the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards, an event that highlights excellence in apprenticeship and skills development across the UK.

Recognition for partnership in training

The partnership has been named a finalist in the ‘Best Partnership in Training’ category, which acknowledges employer–provider collaborations delivering exceptional outcomes in apprenticeship programmes. The awards received over 650 nominations this year, with 94 training providers, employers, colleges, and universities shortlisted.

Since beginning their partnership in 2016, LCB and BAM have worked together to develop apprenticeship pathways tailored to industry needs. The programme initially started with bespoke block-release apprenticeships designed specifically for BAM, with the first cohort of 40 apprentices in 2017.

Development of advanced qualifications

Over time, the partnership expanded to include apprenticeships aligned with Level 4 Civil Engineering Senior Technician, Quantity Surveying, and Construction Site Supervisor standards. Notably, the collaboration introduced a BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering Site Management Degree Apprenticeship, accredited by Leeds Beckett University. This was the first degree apprenticeship offered at LCB’s University Centre.

Further progression pathways have been added, such as the Construction Quantity Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship, validated by London South Bank University and accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building. These developments have contributed to significant growth in LCB’s higher education provision.

Growth in degree apprenticeship enrolment

• The first pilot degree apprenticeship in 2022 enrolled nine students, including two females.
• By September 2025, enrolment increased to over 230 degree apprentices, representing a growth rate of 195% over three years.

BAM also shortlisted for Large Employer award

In addition to the partnership nomination, BAM UK & Ireland has been shortlisted in the Large Employer of the Year category. This award recognises employers demonstrating exceptional commitment to apprenticeship and workplace training programmes.

Next steps in the awards process

National finalists will attend a reception at the House of Lords on 9 February 2026, hosted by The Rt Hon. Baroness Morgan. The awards ceremony will take place on 3 March 2026 at Liverpool’s ACC, concluding The Apprenticeships and Training Conference 2026.

For more information about construction and built environment apprenticeships offered locally, readers can visit the Leeds College of Building website.