B&FC Welcomes BIBAs Judging Panel as Finalist for Skills Provider of the Year

Published on 11/06/2025 by SGLAS

General awards news

We were honoured to welcome the BIBAs Awards judging panel to our Bispham Campus as part of the next stage in the competition for Skills Provider of the Year. As a proud finalist, Blackpool and The Fylde College showcased the innovative and impactful work we do to deliver high-quality skills education across the region.

The esteemed BIBAs judging panel—made up of some of Lancashire’s top business minds—met with B&FC colleagues, apprentices and employer partners to experience first-hand how we’re shaping futures through skills development.

Highlights included:

  • Connecting Futures: Our partnership with Fylde Coast Academy Trust was presented by Carolyn Hill. Through this collaboration, 375 Year 9 pupils from seven subject areas attend B&FC on Friday afternoons. The impact has been incredible—students are more engaged, motivated and already envisioning a future in further education.
  • Victrex Partnership: Chris from global engineering leader Victrex shared how B&FC tailored apprenticeship training to meet their unique business needs. After nine months of collaboration with our Assistant Principal for Engineering, Scott Cubitt, we launched a bespoke programme for Process Manufacturing Technicians—setting the benchmark for future delivery nationally.
  • Apprentice Success Stories: Bruce, an apprentice at Victrex, demonstrated how his learning journey has evolved from hands-on engineering to applying thermodynamics and chemistry in a real-world context. He praised the open communication and feedback culture and how the skills gained go beyond his current role. Melissa, a Chartered Manager apprentice at FCMS, spoke passionately about the personal and professional transformation she’s experienced. After a team restructure, she upskilled to take on senior responsibilities, lead meetings, handle tenders and build confidence in finance— all within a couple months of starting her apprenticeship with outstanding support from her dedicated B&FC skills coach.

This visit was a proud moment for everyone at B&FC and reinforces our commitment to delivering industry-relevant, high-impact skills training that empowers learners and supports our economy.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing colleagues, employer partners and apprentices. We look forward to the awards ceremony in September—and wish the best of luck to all nominees!