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JOIN USCRC Wins National AoC Beacon Award for Excellence in Careers and Enterprise
4 March 2026Cambridge Regional College (CRC) is proud to announce it has won the AoC Beacon Award for Excellence in Careers and Enterprise, recognising its innovative and community‑focused approach to careers guidance and employability support.
The award celebrates CRC’s partnership with The Citizen Hub St Neots, which brings careers advice, skills development and employment support directly into the heart of the local community. The initiative demonstrates the powerful impact colleges can have when they work collaboratively with community partners to reach people who may not traditionally engage with further education.
The Beacon Awards judges highlighted the scale and impact of the Citizen Hub, which welcomes around 300 visitors each week and offers accessible, walk‑in support including careers guidance, job search assistance, referrals into training, and connections to local services.
The hub is deliberately designed to support a wide range of people, including NEET young people, adults looking to change careers, those facing redundancy, and individuals experiencing financial or social challenges. By working closely with employers, voluntary organisations and local partners, the hub has helped expand adult skills provision in sectors such as logistics, teaching assistant roles, cyber security and construction.
Judges also noted that many learners move into employment or further study within weeks of completing skills bootcamps, and that the impact of the hub goes beyond qualifications. Visitors frequently report increased confidence and resilience, with one sharing:
“It felt like the rug had been pulled from under my feet – coming to the hub helped me get a piece of the rug back.”
Supported by CRC leaders and governors, the Citizen Hub also creates real‑world opportunities for current students, including live projects, volunteering and community engagement. Employers actively use the space to recruit, offer work experience and help shape future training provision.
AoC Beacon Award assessors described the initiative as deeply impactful, stating:
“Individual case studies of success voiced by those involved were moving and life‑changing, filled with positivity, enthusiasm and hope for the future.”
Commenting on the award win, Kate Da Costa, Deputy Principal at Cambridge Regional College, said:
“We are so proud to be AoC Beacon Award winners amongst so many inspiring colleges and initiatives. There’s nothing like an afternoon of celebration and stories of joy that entirely embody what further education does. It reinvigorates us to push even further – we don’t fit into boxes, we devise ways so everyone can thrive, no matter the shape of their box, or if it doesn’t exist yet. Here’s to everyone in FE pushing boundaries to ensure people get a fair shot.”
The success of the Citizen Hub reflects the commitment, passion and collaboration of staff, partners, employers and the local community – demonstrating the power of social action to transform lives.
Cambridge Regional College extends its congratulations to all colleges recognised at the AoC Beacon Awards and thanks The Careers & Enterprise Company and the AoC Beacon Awards for celebrating excellence and innovation across the further education sector.
