Eastleigh College has been named a winner at the high profile ACC Apprenticeship Awards 2020 which recognises leading education and training providers across the UK.

Representatives from the college attended a celebratory ceremony alongside other shortlisted training providers, and were delighted to be announced the winner of the ‘SEND Apprenticeship Champion Award’.

Eastleigh College was one of the first colleges in the UK to provide an innovative supported apprenticeship programme which has resulted in superb opportunities for learners and employers alike. One of the first to take up a supported apprenticeship went on to win a place at the national final for the title of ‘Apprentice of the Year’.

Paul Stannard, Vice Principal, explained: “We have a long-established and enviable reputation for our SEND provision. This has gone from strength to strength since introducing supported internships and apprenticeships. There is a strong demand for these more challenging learning pathways reflected in a three-fold increase in learners over the last two years.”

Paul added: “We have superb, forward-thinking teams across our main campus in Eastleigh, as well as at our Winchester campus which includes a residential unit and dedicated enterprise facilities for SEND learners.

“We’re delighted to have won this award, and will continue to lead the way with further development of innovative, ambitious and inclusive learning opportunities to enable learners with an EHCP to achieve their potential and, ultimately, gain economic independence.”