We are delighted to announce NOCN Group as the official sponsor of the 16–19 Learner of the Year category at the GM Skills Awards this year.
The GM Skills Awards 2026 celebrates achievements and excellence across the Further Education and Skills landscape in Greater Manchester. This category celebrates a young learner between the ages 16-19 who has shown remarkable dedication, progress and achievement in their chosen training programme. This winner will have demonstrated strong performance, personal development and commitment to their future career goals.
NOCN Group is an international charity delivering future-fit skills solutions with meaningful social impact for colleges, training providers, employers, and individuals. As a truly independent charitable organisation, NOCN Group champions lifelong vocational learning and seeks to influence policy to create opportunities for growth, inclusivity, and social mobility.
Their mission is to help people reach their full potential while enabling organisations to thrive through improved productivity, sustainability, and workforce development. Backed by industry and subject matter experts, we provide high-quality, robust, and responsive services that adapt to the evolving needs of our customers and stakeholders.
NOCN Group is one of the largest awarding organisations in the global construction sector and is the owner of the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS). With a subsidiary in India, NOCN India Skills Foundation, we also operate across Africa, ASEAN, Europe, the Gulf, South Asia, and other international regions, driving skills development and social impact worldwide.
Jeanine Reed, Business Development Manager at NOCN Group said:
NOCN Group is proud to sponsor the 16–19 Learner of the Year category for the GMLPN Skills Awards. Supporting young people at this pivotal stage of their development is at the heart of our mission, and this award celebrates the dedication, resilience, and talent that will shape the future of our workforce. We’re honoured to recognise learners who embody the ambition and potential that NOCN Group strives to champion across all our qualifications and programmes.
Click here to learn more about NOCN Group.
Click here to read more about the GM Skills Awards 2026.
For more information on GM Skills Awards sponsorship opportunities, please email chloe.f@gmlpn.co.uk.