North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) has been awarded commended status in the Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards for The City & Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers.
The recognition celebrates the college’s strategic partnership with George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, which is helping to tackle critical healthcare workforce shortages in Nuneaton and the wider region.
Through this innovative collaboration, NWSLC and George Eliot Hospital have developed a comprehensive education and training offer that includes apprenticeships, functional skills, digital skills, supported internships, T Level industry placements and AI training – all tailored to meet the evolving needs of the NHS.
Located on the outskirts of Nuneaton, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust serves a population of more than 300,000 people across North Warwickshire, South West Leicestershire and North Coventry. As the area’s largest employer, with over 2,600 staff, the hospital plays a vital role in the local economy and community.
Programmes are delivered flexibly, both on-site and at NWSLC campuses, ensuring accessibility for NHS staff working a range of shift patterns. The partnership also includes supported internships, creating inclusive pathways for students with special educational needs and disabilities to gain valuable experience in healthcare environments.
To date, around 250 students and employees have participated in the initiative, resulting in measurable improvements in staff confidence, retention and patient care. The collaboration is deeply embedded in both organisations’ strategic planning and has been further strengthened through joint recruitment events and the creation of a dedicated training suite at the hospital.
This model of employer–college engagement demonstrates scalable, inclusive and impactful practice for the wider FE sector, delivering tangible benefits to NHS employers and the local community.
Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said: “We are delighted to be named as a commended college in the AoC Beacon Awards this year. This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with George Eliot Hospital and our shared commitment to developing a skilled, confident and inclusive workforce that meets the needs of our local NHS and wider healthcare sector.”
The next stage of the AoC Beacon Awards will see the announcement of finalists for each category on Tuesday 18 November, during the AoC Annual Conference.
