Celebrating a year of growth and impact – Our 2024/25 highlights

A year shaped by real progress, new partnerships, and life-changing opportunities for our learners.

This year has been a remarkable one for our apprenticeship programmes, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of our learners. Kiwi Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR) for apprenticeships for Academic Year 2024/ 2025 – was 77%. These results reflect the hard work, resilience, and commitment of our apprentices, as well as the dedication of our staff and employer partners who support them every step of the way. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together this year.

Advancing healthcare careers: NHS Skills Bootcamps in Portsmouth & Southampton

Our partnership with the NHS continues to flourish with the successful delivery of three intensive Skills Bootcamps in Portsmouth and Southampton. With hands‑on clinical simulations, expert mentoring and tailored employability support, two‑thirds of participants secured employment within the NHS or the wider health sector shortly after completion. Learners also had the opportunity to tour NHS hospital sites, speak directly with healthcare professionals, and gain valuable insights into the recruitment process and career pathways available. These experiences gave them a clearer understanding of potential roles and helped them feel more confident and prepared for interviews. These outcomes highlight the transformative potential of responsive, sector-driven training.

Empowering Adult Learners Through Partnership and Purpose

We’ve had the privilege of delivering impactful training as a subcontractor for New College Swindon and Capital City College London, supporting learners through the ASF (Adult Skills Fund) short courses and the FCFJ (Free Courses for Jobs) initiatives. This collaboration has enabled us to reach diverse communities, helping adults upskill, reskill, and access new employment opportunities. Reflecting on this journey, we’re proud of the outcomes achieved—boosting learner confidence, enhancing job prospects, and contributing to local economic recovery. Working closely with these esteemed colleges has strengthened our delivery model and reinforced our commitment to accessible, high-quality education for all.

Hospitality training reimagined: In‑house Skills Bootcamps and the Costa Coffee Academy

This year saw the official launch of the Costa Room-a dedicated training space designed to emulate a high-street café. Outfitted with a professional barista machine, display units, a menu board, and Costa-branded decor, the space provides a realistic environment where learners develop their customer service, barista and food hygiene skills. It now serves as the home of our Hospitality Skills Bootcamp, enabling in-house delivery and enhancing learner experience through consistent, hands-on practice.

Sustainability in action: Unit One, our new technical training centre, opens!

We’re excited to announce that our new technical training centre, Unit One, is now officially open! This dedicated facility marks a major milestone in our commitment to delivering practical, future-ready training that supports a greener economy.

Unit One will be home to our Solar, Battery & ASHP (Air Source Heat Pump), where learners will gain hands-on experience with the latest solar technology, installation techniques, and safety standards. By providing specialist training in this purpose-built environment, we’re equipping people with the skills they need to thrive in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector – and helping businesses find the talent they need to meet the demands of a low-carbon future.

Supporting local tourism: Tourist information point

The launch of our new Tourist Information Point. Located at Burlington House, the hub not only promotes regional attractions and showcases visitor guides, but also provides practical services such as luggage and wheelchair storage for visitors, helping meet a real need due to the limited number of tourist information centres currently available in Southampton. With Southampton welcoming over 2 million visitors annually, many arriving through its busy cruise terminals, we aim to ensure those guests receive the warmest, most informed welcome possible.

Commemorating history: VE Day 80th anniversary event

On 7  May, we honoured the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a commemorative event held at our new Tourist Information Point. The day engaged members of the community, and was officially opened by the Town Crier. A special guest speaker shared reflections on how VE Day affected Southampton and its residents, deepening attendees’ appreciation for the city’s wartime history. The event featured themed catering, and many attendees, including staff, dressed in period attire to mark the occasion. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of historical education, civic pride, and community remembrance.

National Apprenticeship Week: Celebrating learners and employers

During National Apprenticeship Week, our team visited apprentices across five diverse employers, including a notable visit to Adams Morey to explore their advanced vehicle workshops. These site visits reinforced the value of work-based learning and strengthened employer relationships. 

Introducing the Upskill Network: A Transformative Alliance for Skills Development

As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, one of the most exciting milestones has been the launch of the Upskill Network, a powerful new alliance set to reshape the skills and education landscape across the South Coast. Brought to life through the collaboration of Kiwi & Yuzu Ltd, SERT Group, and the Testlands Wellbeing Hub, this network is designed to tackle the region’s most pressing skills gaps by delivering flexible, industry-aligned training. With a shared commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and economic resilience, the Upskill Network marks a bold step toward building a future-ready workforce. Whether you’re an employer seeking skilled talent or an individual ready to grow your career, the Upskill Network offers a pathway to progress, partnership, and lasting impact.

Expanding employer partnerships

This year, we were proud to welcome many new employer partners:

• Hillers 
• Slim Chickens 
• Wendy’s 
• Adams Morey 
• Fullers
• Marwell Zoo

These partnerships enhance our curriculum relevance and open up new progression routes for our learners.

Growing our team

To support our expanding programme portfolio, we welcomed new staff members across our team. Their diverse expertise enhances our delivery capacity and reflects our commitment to innovation and learner-centred excellence.

Looking ahead

As we close out 2024/25, we remain focused on growth areas and deeper collaboration with employers and community partners. These ambitions are made possible by the unwavering support of our learners and staff.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to continuing to build opportunities, skills, and futures together.

“This has been a landmark year for us—one defined by meaningful impact, creative collaboration, and growth that reflects both the needs of our learners and the ambitions of our communities. Whether through our pioneering work in green skills, the expansion of healthcare and hospitality training, or the strengthening of employer partnerships, every success has been a shared one. I’m incredibly proud of what our team has delivered and grateful to every learner, partner and colleague who helped make it possible.”
— Michael Steel, Managing Director