Leeds College of Building Named Best for Apprenticeships

May 7, 2026 Off By

Local college recognised for excellence in apprenticeship delivery

Leeds College of Building (LCB) has been named the best college in England for apprenticeships at The Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2026. The ceremony took place at New Dock Hall in Leeds, celebrating outstanding achievements in apprenticeship provision across the country.

Recognition for employer engagement and learner support

LCB was selected from hundreds of entries and shortlisted alongside three other finalists. The award acknowledges the college’s strong engagement with employers and its commitment to supporting apprentices throughout their learning journey. The judging panel, led by Chris Hyde from WorldSkills UK, noted the exceptionally high quality of entries in this category.

A significant event for the apprenticeship sector

The 2026 awards attracted a record number of attendees, including employers, training and apprenticeship providers, universities, schools, and colleges from across the UK. The event featured a drinks reception, dinner, and an awards ceremony hosted by comedian Jo Caulfield.

Statements from Leeds College of Building

Chris Tunningley, Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships & Higher Education at LCB, expressed pride in the college’s achievement. He highlighted the collective effort of the team and the importance of partnerships, particularly with construction firm BAM UK & Ireland, who also received recognition at the event.

Recent accolades and ongoing success

This award adds to a series of recent successes for Leeds College of Building, including:

A ‘Highly Commended’ recognition for the LCB and BAM partnership at the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards.
Shortlisting for 13 awards at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.
A nomination for ‘Campaign of the Year’ at the Education North Awards.
Ten apprentices receiving ICE Quest Scholarships from The Institution of Civil Engineers.
Winning The Duchess of Gloucester Award for the Advancement of Skills within the Timber Industry.

These achievements reflect the college’s ongoing commitment to providing quality education and training in construction and the built environment.