On Monday 3 March, City & Guilds was pleased to be at the annual Livery Company Prize ceremony which took place at Mansion House in London. The event celebrated excellence in skills development and recognised individuals who are on the path of honing their skills, as well as those dedicated to training and tutoring them.
The ceremony is always a poignant reminder of City & Guilds’ rich heritage, established nearly 150 years ago by the City and the great craft Guilds. The support from these Guilds continues to be instrumental in helping City & Guilds reach more people and provide them with the skills needed for sustainable employment.
However, the event was not just a reflection on the past. It was a powerful statement about the present and the future, emphasising the importance of access to skills in empowering individuals and communities.
A significant highlight on Monday was the additional celebration of our newest Award programme, the Membership Awards. We know that trainers and tutors can have an immense impact on individuals and organisations, which is why we launched the programme to celebrate and recognise those who are making a real difference on their learners and trainees. These dedicated professionals were recognised with Membership of the City and Guilds of London Institute, allowing them to use the post-nominal letters MCGI. This recognition underscores the importance of publicly celebrating achievements in vocational and skills-based education.
The new 15 members represent a diverse group of practitioners driving tangible benefits in society through their work in colleges, employers, charities, and training providers. Their contributions have been assessed against the rigorous standards, which are also used for the Princess Royal Training Awards, with several members coming from organisations that have received this Royal recognition.
A special announcement was made during the ceremony, honouring Malachi Bakas with the City & Guilds President’s Award, bestowed by Her Royal Highness. Malachi’s outstanding contributions will be formally recognised in a future presentation by Her Royal Highness.
In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt is crucial for growth. City & Guilds is at the forefront of this evolution, focusing on skills that lead to employment and career progression. Employers are increasingly seeking durable skills that support lifelong career development. The content, delivery, and assessment of skills development must evolve to remain relevant, especially with the advancements in AI and wider global shifts and demands.
Speaking about the ceremony and awards programme, Faiza Khan MBE, Executive Director at City & Guilds said:
‘On behalf of all at City & Guilds, congratulations to all of our Membership Award recipients. This is a fantastic achievement and so very well deserved. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of excellent tutors and trainers who are continuously striving for excellence in skills development. Their achievements inspire us all and reinforce our mission to empower individuals through access to high quality education and training.’
To find out more about the Membership Awards click here. The Membership Awards will open again for nomination in April.
