ETIH Innovation Awards 2026: spotlight on Best Workforce and Industry Collaboration Platform

30 Dec

This category recognizes platforms that connect education and industry through employer partnerships, workplace training, and skills-aligned learning.

We’re continuing our series exploring each category in the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, taking a closer look at what the judges expect and what makes a strong submission.

This edition focuses on Best Workforce and Industry Collaboration Platform, a category celebrating solutions that link learners with employers, support workplace training, or embed industry-aligned content into education pathways. Entries should demonstrate strong partnerships, scalable delivery, and meaningful outcomes for both learners and employers.

What this category covers

This category highlights platforms designed to strengthen collaboration between education providers and industry. Eligible entries include solutions used across schools, colleges, universities, training providers, and employer-led programs.

Entries may include platforms that support:

partnerships between education institutions and employers
industry-aligned curriculum and skills frameworks
workplace training, onboarding, or upskilling
apprenticeships, placements, or work-based learning
employer engagement, mentoring, or project-based learning
credentialing linked to industry standards
talent pipelines and early careers programs
data sharing and reporting on skills and workforce outcomes

Solutions must have been launched or significantly updated within the past twelve months and demonstrate meaningful adoption by both education providers and employers.

What judges will look for

Judges will assess whether the platform delivers real value by connecting learning with labor market needs.

Entries should address:

the workforce or skills challenge the platform is designed to address
the depth and quality of employer or industry partnerships
how learning content or training aligns with real-world roles or skills
evidence of scalable delivery across institutions, sectors, or regions
measurable outcomes for learners, such as employability, progression, or readiness
measurable outcomes for employers, such as talent development or skills matching
feedback from learners, educators, employers, or partners

Strong submissions will show clear, two-way value for education and industry.

How to strengthen your submission

Entrants are encouraged to explain how employer input, labor market data, or sector research shaped the platform’s design. Judges value evidence that collaboration is embedded, not superficial.

Submissions will be strengthened by:

case studies demonstrating successful partnerships
data on learner progression, placements, or job outcomes
examples of employer involvement in content or assessment
evidence of scalability and long-term sustainability

Clear articulation of outcomes for both learners and employers will strengthen the overall submission.

Why enter this category

Best Workforce and Industry Collaboration Platform offers organizations an opportunity to highlight innovation that bridges education and employment. Shortlisted entries will be featured on edtechinnovationhub.com and across ETIH channels, reaching educators, employers, policymakers, and investors.

Entries are reviewed by an independent judging panel with expertise across workforce development, education, and EdTech. Many entrants use the submission process to clarify partnership value and strengthen evidence of impact.

How to enter

To enter, download an entry form or submit via the link below. The entry deadline is Friday, 27 March 2026. The shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, 2 April 2026, and winners will be revealed on Monday, 27 April 2026.

Entry costs £80 per submission, or £150 for two or more entries. Payment can be made via our website. Once your entry form and payment have been received, confirmation will be sent by email.

For questions or further information, please contact Director of Content Emma Thompson.

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