Esteem commended as sole Scottish finalist in bid to be named national Training Centre of the Year

Esteem, the Glasgow-based specialists providing quality training for the UK’s construction industry, have earned a commendation as the sole Scottish contender vying to be named ‘UK and Ireland Training Centre of the Year’ under the Scottish Qualifications Authority’s (SQA) Star Awards 2019.

Winners from 13 entry categories received their trophies at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on Friday, 15 November at an evening awards ceremony hosted by TV presenter Carole Smillie. Deputy First Minister John Swinnie’s speech addressed the importance of access to education for all. Esteem’s fellow nominees for the training centre award included Hull Trinity House Academy for boys and ultimate winners Castle Rushen High School comprehensive secondary, the Isle of Man.

Esteem delivers a portfolio of five managerial level Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), ranging from construction site supervision and management to contracting operations and strategic director programme. Completion of these business improvement courses is a recognised path to achieving the construction industry’s coveted Gold and Black CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card for senior industry professionals. Esteem has longstanding links with industry bodies CITB (The Construction Industry Training Board) and CECA (The Civil Engineering Contractors Association Scotland).

Scottish Qualifications Authority chief executive, Fiona Robertson, said:

“The nominations for this year’s awards reflect the dedication of candidates studying for SQA qualifications, as well as the commitment of teachers, lecturers, and specialists to providing innovative and engaging learning opportunities. The awards shine a light on inspirational projects taking place in our centres – the schools, colleges, training providers, and employers who deliver our qualifications.”

Esteem’s operations director Martin Höfner commented:

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious training industry award which recognises consistent excellence, dedication and quality in vocational training. We’re proud of our role in delivering practical Modern Apprenticeships which elevate the skills and ambitions of the next generation of construction leaders, who make such vital contributions to the ongoing health of the Scottish economy. We’d like to thank our customers and our extended team of trainers, assessors and staff who have helped us to reach this pivotal moment.”

Established in 1986, Esteem has run over 1,000 vocational qualification (VQ) programmes across the UK and has achieved a 95% candidate success rate as audited by Skills Development Scotland. The company is the UK’s sole provider of developmental vocational qualification (VQ) programmes and Modern Apprenticeships exclusively tailored for the construction industry. Courses take place away from candidates’ workplaces and feature bespoke workshops and one-to-one coaching as well as toolkits and training materials that support accelerated learning techniques.

The SQA Star Awards recognise the achievements of individuals working towards SQA qualifications together with the schools, colleges, training providers and employers who deliver those qualifications, enabling learners to achieve their career ambitions.

For further information, visit esteemtraining.com and The Scottish Qualifications Authority