Launching the NOCN Group Foundation

In November, we celebrated the launch of the NOCN Group Foundation. Founded as a a new initiative designed to trial, support, and promote innovative approaches to skills delivery across the UK. The Foundation seeks to help break down barriers in the education sector and give learners better access to opportunities. The Foundation’s Skills Innovation Grant Programme will support initiatives that increase participation in skills in the areas that need it most.

If you are interested in the Grant Programme, there’s still time to apply. Head to our dedicated Foundation website to find out more.

Raising our profile at a policy level

This year, we raised our profile by engaging with policy discussions and shaping the skills agenda through research and advocacy. We contributed to discussions around the national budget, Post-16 proposals and our internationally recognised work in India.

We were delighted to be recognised by the UK Prime Minister for securing £2.11 million in business deals to supply Ofqual-regulated qualifications to India’s skills and vocational sector, placing it among 29 UK businesses contributing to over £3.6 billion in investments into the country.

Celebrating a summer of construction

During the summer months, our efforts focused on connecting with the construction industry. At SuperTrowel, we witnessed the very best talents in the sector, while contributing a judge from our own staff.

Meanwhile, at PlantWorx, we met with operators, employers and training providers to discuss career pathways for plant operators. We especially enjoyed speaking with the next generation of plant operators, whose passion and commitment to skills was truly inspiring.

Expanding our global reach

It's also been a year of international expansion and impact. In Malaysia, we signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Skills Development, an occasion that marks a significant step forward in international collaboration in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Over in Bahrain, NOCN Group announced the accreditation of Bahrain’s Institute of Public Administration (IPA) as an internationally accredited training centre. Our partnership represents an important step in strengthening Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for leadership and administrative excellence while promoting collaboration between the UK and the Kingdom of Bahrain in education and skills development.

Centering sustainability and Green Skills

With 2025 marking a significant milestone towards the UK’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, NOCN Group has continued to fostering growth in the green skills sector.

Our partnership with Quantum Group has further blossomed this year, with the development of renewable qualifications, including Skills Bootcamps and Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs). Together, we also launched several Level 2 sustainability Qualifications that assist with upskilling a greener workforce as well as creating custom-built training bays for learners to gain hands-on experience with.

Growing our network of Charitable Members

This year we expanded our network of Charitable Members, welcoming GlobalCert Constructure, and most recently The Skills Centre

Becoming a charitable member of NOCN Group means joining a network of organisations that actively contribute to the Group’s mission of creating opportunities through learning and skills. GlobalCert will be able to offer deep knowledge and insight to inform and shape future initiatives both in the UK and internationally. Our network of charitable members offer deep knowledge and insight to inform and shape future initiatives both in the UK and internationally.

Creating Connection at our CPCS Roadshows

Throughout November, our Construction Connect Roadshows brought together centres, training providers and employers up and down the country. With presentations tackling card fraud, funding opportunities and strategic insights on attracting fresh talent, the roadshows have been a reminder that construction isn’t just about buildings, it’s about people. Engaging with operators, trainers, and employers across the UK reinforces the importance of a safe, skilled, and verified workforce. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and insights - your input is helping shape the future of construction training.

 

Highlighting Devolution in our latest report

Alongside our engagement in conversations surrounding government policy this year, we published our report on Devolution in Skills.

Our report calls for the establishment of a UK-wide Skills Standards and Accreditation Body, which would ensure that occupational standards are consistent, high-quality, and internationally benchmarked. It would also provide the quality assurance needed to maintain the reputation of the UK skills system globally. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, Net Zero, and rapid technological change, our standards must be world-class - enabling UK businesses to compete and UK citizens to thrive.

In the report, we also advocate for a National Skills Strategy that aligns with the sectorial approach in the Industrial Strategy and reflects the needs of all parts of the UK. This strategy must be informed by local voices, but it must also provide a clear vision and direction. It should encompass the entire education and training system: from new entrants to the workforce, to those seeking to upskill or re-enter employment

Raising our profile at national events

Over a busy events calendar throughout 2025, we’ve attended a variety of conferences, exhibitions and awards presentations.

NOCN Group had a strong presence at the ATC Conference 2025, reinforcing our role as an international skills charity focused on future-fit skills, sustainability and high-quality apprenticeships. We delivered two well-attended, interactive workshops addressing critical skills challenges facing the UK.

The annual AELP National Conference was another great opportunity to connect with the industry amidst new government strategies to boost training and apprenticeships in England. A highlight of the conference was our Chief Executive, Graham Hasting-Evans, chairing a thought-provoking panel on the future of lifelong learning, tackling the big questions around AI, post-pandemic learning, and the need for more flexible, collaborative training models and environment.

At this year’s Labour Party Conference, we hosted several fringe events centred around building a future ready UK skills system. Bringing together politicians, stakeholders and key voices in the sector, the conference opened up the conversation around skills, economic growth, and how the government can implement impactful policies.

Championing Women in Construction

This year, we forged stronger connections with Women in Construction, an initiative dedicated to fostering inclusive environments and increasing representation across the construction sector.

We also welcomed its founder, Michaela Wain, to our Board of Trustees. As a highly respected figure in the construction industry, Michaela is known for her unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). She has led numerous initiatives to foster inclusive environments and increase representation across the sector. Her appointment reflects NOCN Group’s ongoing commitment to social impact and inclusive skills development.

Leading on Innovation and Technology

Innovation and AI continue to dominate conversations in the skills and education sector. Back in August, we attended the Global Summit on Productivity in the Age of AI (GSPAI) in Delhi. The Summit was an opportunity to meet with key stakeholders in the Indian skills landscape, and to showcase our work as a global skills charity. Our Chief Executive Graham Hasting-Evans engaged in panels surrounding how AI is shaping teaching methods, as well as reaffirming NOCN Group’s commitment to supporting development goals in India and South Asia through delivering high quality qualifications through our ongoing collaboration with TCS iON as we prepare for the launch of the new Skills Hub project.

We also continued to deepen partnership with TCS iON, with whom we have been working with for over a year as we prepare for the launch of the new Skills Hub project. We look forward to seeing the evolution of our collaboration over the coming months.

Celebrating Staff at NOCN Live

To round off the year, over 180 NOCN Group colleagues gathered in Sheffield for two days of connection, celebration and focus on the future for our annual Staff Conference: NOCN Live.

At the conference, we also held our first NOCN Awards to celebrate staff achievements. As voted for by colleagues, the nominees embody the very best of NOCN Group, with categories spanning commitment, global impact and innovation.

Overall, it’s been a fantastic year for NOCN Group. Thank you to all our centres, employers, training providers and learners who have supported us this year. We look forward to seeing what's in store in 2026.