Endorsed Trainer Programme

The WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence Endorsed Trainer Programme, delivered in partnership with NCFE, is a member‑only development pathway for experienced educators who are ready to embed world‑class pedagogical practice across their institution.

Designed for those with the capacity and influence to lead change, the programme develops a network of endorsed trainers who act as internal catalysts for excellence raising teaching quality, assessment practice and competition‑style performance culture in a way that is tailored, sustainable and owned by the organisation.

Supported annually by the Spring into Excellence teaching conference bringing together this growing network for collaboration, connection and community.

Youtube needs cookies in order to display videos.
Please accept Marketing Cookies to watch this video.

Raising standards across the FE and skills system requires more than excellent one‑off training. It requires deep capability within institutions and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.

Embed WorldSkills UK pedagogical methodologies at scale and at pace
Build self‑sustaining communities of practice within and across Centre of Excellence members
Enable institutions to adapt high‑impact CPD to their specific context and priorities
Create a connected national network of educators committed to raising the bar for skills excellence

The Endorsed Trainer Programme is open to Centre of Excellence member organisations only. It is designed for:

Teaching and learning staff, quality specialists or Centre Leads
Individuals with remission or protected capacity within their role
Educators with the authority and confidence to lead internal CPD and influence practice
Practitioners already delivering at a high standard and ready to drive wider impact.

Applicants are nominated and supported by their organisation’s Centre Lead and senior leadership team, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and quality improvement plans.

Commitment required from the applicant

attend information sessions ensuring the applicant is able to commit to the programme
attend the Endorsed Trainer residential in full
commitment to launching and driving forward competition culture and embedding the WorldSkills UK pedagogical practices internally to a minimum of 30 staff each academic year
participate in best practice events as well as standardisation and open support sessions
play a role in ensuring impact surveys are completed in a timely manner
attend the annual Spring into Excellence event to maintain currency and further develop knowledge of the World-Class Teacher Training modules.

Commitment required from the organisation

ensure full approval and support is granted from a member of the Senior Leadership Team
collaborate with the applicant to create a sustainable, measurable and successful Implementation Plan
commit to supporting the applicant with capacity and remission to execute the Implementation Plan and embedding the WorldSkills UK pedagogy
Centre Lead to accompany the Endorsed Trainer at the annual Spring into Excellence Teaching Conference to provide an opportunity for networking, sharing best practice and quality improvement.

Residential dates 2026/27

Cohort 4 – Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 October 2026 (see timeline below)
Cohort 5 – Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 January 2027
Cohort 6 – Tuesday 2 to Thursday 4 March 2027

How to apply

Complete the Centre of Excellence – Endorsed Trainer Application

Check the timeline below for the upcoming cohort.

What the programme includes

The Endorsed Trainer Programme currently includes two core, educator‑focused CPD modules, both essential to raising learner performance and assessment quality:

Competence to Excellence
Developing world‑class teaching practice by strengthening technical mastery, learner performance and professional behaviours.

Assessment for Excellence
Advancing assessment practice to ensure validity, consistency and high expectations aligned to international benchmarks.

Together, these modules enable Endorsed Trainers to support colleagues to move from competence towards sustained excellence across programmes and pathways.

Cohort 4 Timeline

June – July 2026	Register to attend an Information Session to find out what the role involves.
Friday 31 July 2026	Application deadline to become an Endorsed Trainer by 5pm.
August 2026	Successful applicants will be informed
September 2026	Inductions will take place
Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 October 2026	Residential for cohort 4