The City & Guilds Foundation is delighted to announce the 19 outstanding tutors and trainers recognised as recipients of the 2025 Membership Awards – a prestigious programme celebrating those who go above and beyond to transform lives through skills and training.
Launched in 2024, the Membership Awards honour individuals who exemplify excellence, innovation and dedication in vocational education. The awards shine a light on the professionals who are quietly and consistently changing lives; the tutors and trainers who not only develop skills but build confidence and create opportunities for thousands of learners every year.
Recognising excellence across sectors
The 2025 recipients represent the very best of the skills landscape across the UK, coming from a diverse range of organisations and industries. This year’s awardees include tutors and trainers from IBM, Motus Commercials, G4S, Resurgo Trust, JCB Excavators and Mitchells & Butlers, as well as leading FE colleges such as City of Westminster College, South and City College Birmingham, South Eastern Regional College and Leeds College of Building.
Of the 19 awardees, 13 work for organisations that have previously achieved the prestigious Princess Royal Training Award which is a testament to their ongoing dedication and commitment to excellence in training and development. Together, they represent high quality skills training across a breadth of sectors – from engineering and construction to hospitality, business and social enterprise.
A rigorous assessment process
Nominations for the 2025 Membership Awards opened in May, with applications undergoing a two-stage judging process. Shortlisted nominees were interviewed by an independent panel of Assessors, who evaluated not only their professional expertise but also the measurable impact they have made on learners, staff and their wider organisations.
To be successful, candidates needed to demonstrate outstanding skill in delivering training, a high level of professional credibility and a proven record of innovation and influence. Chief Assessor Fenella Tallon was impressed by the quality of nominations:
“What stood out this year was each tutor and trainer’s passion and commitment in ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed regardless of whether they worked for a college, training provider or commercial organisation. Not only did they showcase their knowledge and high level of expertise, they also showed how they’re going above and beyond to make a real difference to their learners.”
Each recipient will receive Membership of the City & Guilds of London Institute (MCGI), a distinguished recognition only awarded to a select group of individuals each year. They will also be formally celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony in London in 2026, alongside their nominators and peers.
Celebrating the people behind skills
The Membership Awards are more than just a celebration of individual achievement, they’re recognition of the central role that tutors and trainers play in shaping the future workforce. Every successful recipient has demonstrated an unwavering belief in the power of skills to change lives and communities.
Their stories highlight the ripple effect of high-quality training: learners who gain confidence and qualifications go on to strengthen industries, revitalise local economies and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. These tutors and trainers are not just teaching skills, they are building the foundation for a more skilled and resilient society.
Reflecting on the announcement, Dame Ann Limb, Chair of the City & Guilds Foundation DBE DL FCGI, shared her pride in this year’s winners:
“I couldn’t be prouder of this year’s Membership Award recipients. These tutors and trainers are the heart of our skills system; they change lives and inspire others every day. The Membership Awards are our way of recognising and celebrating their incredible expertise and the lasting impact they make on the people, organisations and the communities around them.”
Continuing a legacy of excellence
As part of the wider mission of the City & Guilds Foundation, the Membership Awards form a crucial part of recognising and celebrating those who make skills matter. The Foundation’s work centres on improving access to skills and employment for all, especially for those who face barriers to opportunity. By highlighting the achievements of exceptional tutors and trainers, the Awards aim to inspire others to pursue training excellence, strengthen professional networks and ensure that the UK continues to lead the way in delivering high-quality vocational education.