The judges were particularly impressed by Belfast Metropolitan College’s work with the Northern Ireland Prison Service. This included remodelling a young offenders’ centre and rebranding it as Hydebank Wood College.

The project was overseen by the team at the college’s Centre for Economic Development and Social Inclusion (CEDSI). It is a cross-college initiative that helps deliver skills for marginalised learners, boosting not only their life chances but growing the wider economy, too. Through its work with the prison service, young offenders are able to develop essential skills and participate in courses up to level 3, helping to lower reoffending rates.

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The judges added that this was a “thoughtful, long-term project” that helped prisoners transition back into the community and reintegrate into society upon their release from prison. The team at CEDSI has been highly effective in supporting business development in Northern Ireland. The college’s Assured Skills Programme alone has boosted the regional economy to the tune of £141 million and has stimulated more than 5,000 jobs.

The programme typically involves a learner taking part in a bespoke eight- to 10-week pre-employment training programme designed by the CEDSI team, and aimed at preparing them for jobs in sectors including animation, cyber security and data analytics.

Staff have contributed to winning multi-million pound contracts from a diverse group of organisations, helping CEDSI to realise its mission to “make a fundamental impact on the economic and social success of the city by equipping its people, employers and communities with the education and skills for work”.