Created by the City & Guilds Group, which is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, the Awards are a unique opportunity for UK businesses to showcase their approach to learning and development and its impact on business performance. Last year saw 48 businesses commended, with past winners including John Lewis, River Island, Islamic Relief, and Openreach.

Now in their fourth year, the Princess Royal Training Awards are free to enter for UK organisations of all sizes, across any sector or industry. With a clear focus on outcomes, successful applicants demonstrate where programmes have had a significant impact on business and financial performance; that inclusivity, diversity and equality are emphasised in learning; and that training is methodically designed with clear goals and robust evaluation processes. 

PRTA winners have reported a number of benefits from entering the Awards, including securing further investment into training programmes, improving recruitment, and pputting learning and development at the centre of organisational strategy.

Chris Jones, Chief Executive of the City & Guilds Group, commented, "Against an uncertain economic backdrop, it is more important than ever for British businesses to commit to future proofing their talent. Investment into training and up-skilling staff helps boost productivity and also addresses the growing skills gap that we are seeing across a number of industries.

"The Princess Royal Training Awards recognise the fantastic work that UK organisations are doing to create, maintain, and invest in outstanding training and skills development programmes. As we celebrate our 140^th anniversary year, we're recognising the importance of learning at all ages and career stages and the impact it has on boosting productivity and addressing growing skills gaps across multiple industries. I look forward to honouring those businesses that are successfully helping their employees navigate the complexities and uncertainties of today’s workplace."

Successful applicants for the Princess Royal Training Awards recognition will be announced in August 2019, ahead of a prestigious ceremony in the autumn. In previous years, the Awards ceremony has taken place at St James’s Palace, hosted by HRH The Princess Royal. Details for this year’s ceremony will be confirmed nearer the time.