The award celebrates the trust's work with Exeter College to deliver the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship programme, helping colleagues develop their skills while strengthening the future education workforce across Devon.

Judges praised the trust's collaborative approach to shaping and improving the programme, its commitment to supporting apprentices and the culture it has created, where staff are encouraged to grow, share ideas and develop professionally.

The trust was also recognised for going above and beyond to support apprentices, with colleagues sharing their expertise through mentoring, guest speaker sessions and ongoing encouragement, helping apprentices build confidence and become part of a supportive professional community.

One manager involved in the programme reflected: "It has been great to have some fresh thoughts and ideas," highlighting the value apprentices bring to the trust as well as the investment made in their development.

The award reflects Ted Wragg Trust's long-term commitment to creating high-quality professional development opportunities for staff at every stage of their careers and ensuring schools continue to attract, develop and retain exceptional staff.

The Exeter College Apprentice & Employer Awards celebrate employers and apprentices who have made an outstanding contribution to apprenticeships and workforce development across the region.

Moira Marder, CEO of Ted Wragg Trust, said:

"We are absolutely delighted to receive this award from Exeter College as growing great people is one of our key strategic anchors. Investing in our staff is one of the most important things we do because we know that when our colleagues are supported to learn, grow and develop, our children and communities benefit too.

“Apprenticeships provide an incredible opportunity to develop talent, bring fresh perspectives into our schools and create rewarding career pathways within education. We are incredibly proud of everyone who has taken part in the programme and grateful to Exeter College for being such a valued partner in helping us develop the next generation of education professionals."

Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Apprenticeships and Future Skills at Exeter College said:

“The Ted Wragg Trust exemplifies the ambition, energy and collaboration that drive truly exceptional apprenticeship provision. Working hand‑in‑hand with us here at Exeter College, they help shape programmes that don’t just respond to sector needs, they lead the way, acting as genuine trailblazers for our region. Our partnership with Ted Wragg Trust is one we deeply value and enjoy, and it was fantastic to see the judges bowled over by the strength of their support for both the programmes and the apprentices who thrive because of them.”

“The impact of this partnership reaches far beyond staff development. By investing in high‑quality CPD through apprenticeships, Ted Wragg Trust is directly enriching the classroom experience for thousands of children. Apprentices bring fresh ideas, new skills and renewed confidence back into their schools, creating vibrant learning environments where pupils feel inspired, supported and able to achieve more. It’s a powerful example of how professional growth translates into better outcomes for young people. Well done team Ted Wragg”