Sponsors

Training delivery, learner management, compliance and funding on a single intuitive platform.

Bud is not just a platform; it’s a holistic solution designed to bring together all aspects of apprenticeship and skills training management. From initial enrolment to final assessment, Bud provides a seamless, integrated experience for trainers, learners, and administrators alike. By automating admin tasks and offering real-time insights, Bud helps training providers improve efficiency, maintain compliance and enhance the learning experience.

Bud is built on a foundation of simplicity, compliance, and consistency, as well as the knowledge gained from real-life experience, managing large-scale delivery. With a commitment to innovation and customer success, Bud is redefining how training providers manage and track their training programs.

“We’re delighted to support the GM Skills Awards, celebrating the incredible talent and achievements across Greater Manchester.  At Bud we’re passionate about empowering our partners to deliver outstanding training outcomes, so supporting GMLPN is particularly important to us given their brilliant work in championing high quality training and education for all which has been pivotal in transforming the skills landscape in the region.” 

Rhian Old | Chief Commercial Officer, Bud

Find out more about Bud

Bud is not just a platform; it’s a holistic solution designed to bring together all aspects of apprenticeship and skills training management. From initial enrolment to final assessment, Bud provides a seamless, integrated experience for trainers, learners, and administrators alike. By automating admin tasks and offering real-time insights, Bud helps training providers improve efficiency, maintain compliance and enhance the learning experience.

Bud is built on a foundation of simplicity, compliance, and consistency, as well as the knowledge gained from real-life experience, managing large-scale delivery. With a commitment to innovation and customer success, Bud is redefining how training providers manage and track their training programs.

Find out more about Bud

Coyne Recruitment was founded by industry experts, who as former hiring managers with over 45 years of experience working for some of the leading providers in the UK, have an unrivalled passion for the skills & employability sector. This direct industry experience enables us to have a unique perspective on what a quality recruitment service that meets the needs and requirements of providers of all sizes should be like.

We understand the many complexities and opportunities within the Skills and Government contract sectors, allowing us to partner with organisations to offer support and guidance when prospecting and acquiring talent.

We help our clients to save money and time whilst reducing risk. We provide business critical support that removes burden and workload enabling organisations to maximise their opportunity in acquiring the best talent for now and the future.

“I am incredibly proud to sponsor the Outstanding Innovation of the Year Award at the inaugural GMPLN Awards in 2025. This award highlights the creativity and vision of individuals, teams, and organisations that are transforming skills development and training across Greater Manchester. Innovation is at the heart of progress, and the work being celebrated here—whether it’s in green and sustainable development, AI, or digital learning—is truly setting the standard for the future of education.”

Stuart Duffey | Director, Coyne Recruitment

Find out more about Coyne Recruitment

At Gateway Qualifications, our focus is on creating the highest level of in-demand qualification which are accessible to everyone, enabling all learners to thrive.

It’s the experiences of our learners that motivates us all at Gateway Qualifications. We believe that offering accessible qualifications to everyone, whatever their ability, changes futures.

Qualifications that allow for flexible methods of assessment, fit into people’s lives, and inspire personal progress means everyone can thrive.

“We are honoured to be sponsors of the GM Skills Awards – We continue to work in partnership with GMLPN to help widen participation within education for all.”

John Hamilton | Head of Business Development, Gateway Qualifications

Manchester aspired to be the best UK ‘city for adult education and skills by 2025’. Collectively, we went one step further by becoming internationally recognised, by UNESCO, as a world leading City of Lifelong Learning.

People are our city’s biggest asset and we have a history of nurturing this talent. But we can do more to ensure that all Mancunians reach their full potential, whilst being able to access the richness of opportunities to earn, learn and experience what the city has to offer.

The City of Lifelong Learning approach, through collaboration and co-design, adopts learning and skills to build a fair and socially sustainable future for everyone.

Join the Lifelong Learning movement! Contact mas@manchester.gov.uk.

“Given that Manchester has been recognised by UNESCO as a City of Lifelong Learning it should come as no surprise at how proud we are to be one of the sponsors for the GM Skills Awards. It feels fitting that this year we are the sponsor of the Community Initiative of the Year, an award which aims to highlight the incredible work and dedication of Mancunians in going that extra mile for their community, providing the platform for people to improve their skills, develop or enter into training.”

Councillor Bev Craig | Leader of Manchester City Council

The Mesma software platform is shaping the future of quality improvement in Further Education and Employability by harnessing the voices of staff, learners, and customers to drive collaborative and impactful improvement.

Equipped with intuitive features, exclusive specialist resources and AI powered enhancements, Mesma supports effective improvement activities across the quality cycle and enables you to focus on what matters most to the people who matter most.

Building on our solid track record in quality assurance and improvement advisory services, Mesma combines software and sector expertise to deliver efficiency, clarity, and confidence through software packages and support.

“We are thrilled to sponsor the ‘Unsung Hero of the Year’ award, celebrating those who, like us, believe in the power of dedication to drive meaningful change. This category aligns closely with Mesma’s mission to empower people who aren’t typically in the spotlight but have a relentless focus on supporting others and driving forward excellence for learners.”

At NCFE, we’re dedicated to empowering individuals in the Greater Manchester region and beyond through high-quality, accessible qualifications that transform lives and open doors to new possibilities. Our collaboration with the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network (GMLPN) reflects this commitment, and together, we’ve driven projects that broaden educational access and help learners achieve their goals.

As the leading provider of adult funded qualifications, NCFE understands the critical importance of lifelong learning in shaping successful futures. Through initiatives like increasing apprenticeship access for individuals with autism and piloting contextualized Functional Skills Maths resources in early years apprenticeships, we’ve seen first-hand the transformative power of education in Greater Manchester. The achievements of learners in this region inspire us every day, as we strive to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed and progress in their personal and professional journeys.

“We are honoured to sponsor the GM Skills Awards and recognise an adult learner who has shown exceptional determination, achievement, and progress in their training program.”
Suzanne Slater | Commercial Director, NCFE

Find out more about NCFE

Find out more about NQual

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Since 1966, Rochdale Training has been at the forefront of skills development, transforming lives and empowering businesses across Greater Manchester and the North West. We specialise in delivering tailored Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, and workforce training programs that meet the needs of employers and individuals alike.

 With a legacy built on collaboration and excellence, we work with businesses of all sizes to shape a highly skilled workforce and support professional growth. Our friendly, industry-experienced tutors and commitment to personalised, high-quality training have made us a trusted partner for hundreds of employers and learners every year.

 As proud sponsors of the Greater Manchester Skills Awards, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Further Education and Skills sector. We believe in the power of education to transform communities and are dedicated to championing the talent and dedication that make our region thrive.

“Rochdale Training are passionate about nurturing talent and celebrating achievement across Greater Manchester’s vibrant Further Education and Skills sector. Sponsoring the Greater Manchester Skills Awards aligns perfectly with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen local businesses through high-quality training and apprenticeships. This event is a wonderful opportunity to honor the outstanding contributions of learners, educators, and organisations shaping our region’s future. We are proud to stand alongside the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network in championing excellence and creating opportunities for growth and success.” 

Jill Nagy | Chief Executive, Rochdale Training

Find out more about Rochdale Training

The Growth Company are an award-winning, accredited social enterprise dedicated to helping businesses grow, creating jobs, and improving lives. As part of the Growth Company, GC Education and Skills has been delivering high-quality education and training for over 35 years.

As one of the largest providers of apprenticeships and training in the country, we help people build skills across various sectors and levels. Our training prepares individuals for the workplace, enhances leadership skills, and drives productivity.

We offer career-boosting programmes in some of the fastest-growing industries, taking a whole-person approach that includes digital skills and mental wellbeing support. Working with businesses, we ensure our courses and apprenticeships boost career prospects and business productivity.

“We’re delighted to sponsor the GM Skills Awards and proud to be a member of the GMLPN, working together to expand learning opportunities and enhance outcomes for learners across Greater Manchester.”

Jon-Paul Rimington | Managing Director, The Growth Company 

Find out more about The Growth Company