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The City & Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers application form

To apply, please complete the application webform

  • College groups can only submit one entry, per category, up to a maximum of four category entries overall.
  • Total word limit: Please ensure the total responses for the three sections of Innovation, Impact and Inclusion do not exceed 3,000 words.
  • No external website links are permitted within the body of the application form.
  • No appendices will be accepted
  • Please double check all answers for accuracy (e.g. correct email address, name spelling).
  • After form submission you have the option to print a copy of your answers.
  • A template version of the application form is available on the webpage (this is for the purpose of viewing questions only; all applications must be made online through this webform).
  • Applicants must submit a high-resolution college logo online as part of their application form.
  • The confirmation email following submission will be sent to the applicant email only, along with the unique ID, this is an automated process.
  • Following submission if you have any questions, please contact the AoC Awards team at awards@aoc.co.uk Please ensure you use your unique ID number on all correspondence (you will be given this on an automated email following submission of your application given this on an automated email following submission of your application).

Guidance notes for application form

This year, applicants must complete a specific application form for each Beacon Award. The form allows you to address both the Beacon Award criteria and the additional sponsor criteria for the award.
Please confirm  

AoC Beacon Awards Terms & Conditions 2025/26

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The City & Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers

(this is the name format which will be used in all promotion should the application be successful, this cannot be changed at a later stage so please check accuracy with your college marketing team).

(The individual will be the main correspondence contact regarding the application outcomes. Please double check spelling for accuracy).

(this must be the applicant’s email and a college email address; personal emails are not permitted. This will be the main correspondence contact regarding the application outcome. Please double check spelling for accuracy).

(This must be the College CEO/Principal and not a department/ section area/ campus head).

(Please double check spelling for accuracy)

(this individual will only be contacted should the applicant not be available).

(this must be the alternative contact email and a college email address; personal emails are not permitted. Please double check spelling for accuracy).

(please add one contact email only, for the main college group Marketing/ Comms Manager/ Director (as applicable). They will receive marketing collateral should the application be successful, please double check spelling for accuracy).

may be used as a case study if commended

Please ensure the total responses for the three sections of Innovation, Impact and Inclusion do not exceed 3,000 words.

Section A: Innovation

Continuous innovation: ongoing improvements - Adjacent innovation: adapting existing approaches for new needs - Radical innovation: major changes or breakthroughs

Reflected in strategic plans - Supported through investment in work-based training

Section B: Impact

Achievement - Progression - Destinations - Teaching and learning quality

Local economic data or strategic planning - Partnerships with other organisations - Support for specific learner groups or employer needs

Feedback from employers - Curriculum improvements

Meet diverse needs - Overcome access barriers - Respond to employer and learner priorities. Include examples of: Staff development, Investment in facilities and resources

Section C: Inclusion

Removing barriers for underrepresented or priority groups - Culturally responsive and inclusive approaches - Aligning with public sector equality duties - Fostering environments where all learners feel they belong

C3. Has your college signed the AoC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Charter?  

Not a qualifying criterion.

To upload multiple photo files please select them all at the same time and upload. This invitation to submit photos is entirely optional and has no bearing on your application.

Polite Reminder

  • College groups can only submit one entry, per category, up to a maximum of four category entries overall.
  • Total word limit: Please ensure the total responses for the three sections of Innovation, Impact and Inclusion do not exceed 3,000 words.
  • No external website links are permitted within the body of the application form.
  • No appendices will be accepted
  • Please double check all answers for accuracy (e.g. correct email address, name spelling).
  • After form submission you have the option to print a copy of your answers.
  • A template version of the application form is available on the webpage (this is for the purpose of viewing questions only; all applications must be made online through this webform).
  • Applicants must submit a high-resolution college logo online as part of their application form.
  • The confirmation email following submission will be sent to the applicant email only, along with the unique ID, this is an automated process.
  • Following submission if you have any questions, please contact the AoC Awards team at awards@aoc.co.uk Please ensure you use your unique ID number on all correspondence (you will be given this on an automated email following submission of your application given this on an automated email following submission of your application).