Championing education at AAT’s Training Provider Awards 2025

Celebrating the talent and achievements in the accountancy education sector.

AAT celebrated exceptional achievements across the accountancy education sector at a special event held on Thursday night (13 March 2025) in Solihull. 

The AAT Training Provider Awards, now in their ninth year, recognise the life-changing excellence of AAT’s training provider partners who teach more than 65,000 AAT learners studying towards AAT qualifications every year. 

“These awards showcase the transformative power of vocational accountancy education. The winners demonstrate how dedicated training providers are innovating and supporting student success in remarkable ways with AAT’s qualifications – opening doors to rewarding careers for more people from more backgrounds.”

Claire Bennison, Executive Director of Customer, Partnerships and Innovation, AAT

What a training provider does

For those of you who haven’t worked with one, a training provider provides training either through AAT qualifications or through an apprenticeship, providing support for both students and employers throughout their learning journey.

Training providers are an invaluable source to assist employers by supplying top talent to fill both staff and apprenticeship vacancies.

They’re a brilliant and invaluable resource for employers and students alike.

Our winners

Apprentice of the Year – Liam Wild (The Growth Company/Savills)

Liam has progressed rapidly from 17-year-old apprentice to lead client accountant. He’s also completed his AAT studies and is advancing through ACCA. He mentors new apprentices joining the business, and has advocated to property industry bodies on the benefits of hiring AAT apprentices.

Distance Learning Training Provider of the Year – Premier Training, and Special Recognition Award – Alan Dawson (Premier Training)

Premier Training in Lincolnshire received double recognition, winning Distance Learning Training Provider of the Year while their long-serving tutor Alan Dawson was surprised with the Special Recognition Award.

The provider was celebrated for achieving consecutive 100% pass rates for Level 2 assessments and expanding social mobility through free AAT courses for school pupils and partnerships with homelessness charities. 

Alan Dawson has mentored thousands of students, authored over 50 study manuals and embraces technology while planning innovative outreach work with local schools. So it was perhaps unsurprising, but very moving, when he received a standing ovation for his 19-year contribution to AAT education.

International Training Provider of the Year – System & Skills Training Concepts. Malaysia

The provider trained nearly 300 ethnic Bumiputera students with an 80% pass rate. To address language barriers, the provider ran workshops dedicated to improving English language skills and digital capabilities. It supported students by developing a dual qualification programme to enable government loan access, among other measures.

Tutor of the Year – Faye Hill (Chesterfield College)

It’s no wonder Faye’s students consistently achieve excellent results. She has developed workplace readiness initiatives, including vacancy page and employer workshops. She’s also pioneered development sessions with local accountancy firms on career pathways and workplace skills. Faye has also successfully supported more than 20 Ukrainian students in developing employability skills.

Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year – Starting Off

Large Training Provider of the Year – Kaplan

Medium Training Provider of the Year – New College Durham

Small Training Provider of the Year – Bexhill College

Student of the Year – Katy Hickey (e-Careers Ltd)

Cat Hall is AAT Content Editor, members and technical .