We are part of a national pilot equipping apprentices with innovation skills

Barnsley College has been selected as one of the first institutions in the country to deliver a groundbreaking national initiative equipping apprentices with the skills to become innovation leaders in the workplace.

The College will join a network of further education providers across the country in delivering the Innovation Literacy Launchpad – an Innovate UK-funded programme developed by Greater Manchester Colleges Group (GM Colleges) to support economic growth and innovation in businesses.

The programme aims to train Barnsley College apprentices to become ‘innovation ambassadors’, able to bring new thinking, creativity and change-making tools to their organisations. The training uses an accredited model and bespoke digital resources, developed to remove barriers to innovation within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

David Akeroyd, Barnsley College Principal and CEO, said: “Apprenticeship employers tell us they want staff who can think creatively, solve problems, and lead change. That’s exactly what the Innovation Literacy Launchpad delivers.

We’re excited to work on this pilot and proud to be one of the first colleges nationally to deliver training that is directly shaped by the needs of employers.”

Coral Grainger, GMColleges Innovation Project Director, said: “It’s fantastic to partner with Barnsley College on this exciting new initiative.
“Innovation Literacy training equips apprentices to think differently, solve problems and support practical change in their organisations.

“We’ve seen this short two-day course have immediate impact, by giving apprentices the tools to make productivity gains, particularly within SMEs where innovation capacity is often stretched.

“We’re excited to see the results across the country and we’re proud to have Barnsley with us on that journey."

Delivery to apprentices will take place in January and February, including National Apprenticeship Week which runs from February 9 to February 13.

The programme forms part of Barnsley College’s wider commitment to future-focused education and employer partnerships, helping ensure students have the skills they need for careers in rapidly evolving industries.

The College will also take part in national evaluation, contributing to the development of innovation training across the FE sector, and attend a celebration event alongside other partners in March 2026.