The Manchester College couldn’t be clearer about its priority for students: “careers not courses”. And to deliver on this ambition, it works hand in hand with employers across the region.

As well as an Industry Excellence Academy, which provides for students to gain unrivalled access to industry-standard learning and training across nine sectors, the college developed an Industry Excellence Partnership, which invites employers to take an active role in shaping the curriculum.

The college has also invested more than £1 million in establishing a bespoke employability and partnerships team that allows staff to work alongside employers to enhance student learning and work readiness.

Cardiff and Vale College wins at the Tes FE Awards 2021

Gower College wins at the Tes FE Awards 2021

Tes FE Awards 2021: Meet the judges

When the pandemic prompted employers to shift to home-based working, The Manchester College didn’t let circumstances prevent its students from obtaining work-based experience, liaising closely with employers to provide online placements, guest lectures and live briefs.

Impressively, the college is currently on target to deliver 100 per cent of virtual placements to all its students. It is outstanding at forging and developing relationships with employers - and its students are reaping the rewards.

Lead judge Jennifer Coupland said: “The entry stood out for the range of employers it has engaged, its commitment to meeting employer needs - including taking the time to understand what’s needed, and adapt its apprenticeships and courses accordingly - and the creativity and energy the college showed in adapting its offer to employers.

“It continued to add value throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.”