Future-proofing skills. Driving growth. Empowering people
For almost 150 years, we’ve been at the forefront of global workforce skills development, partnering with people and organisations to foster life-changing learning and growth. We’re the global skills partner of choice, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to skills
Our comprehensive solutions – from industry-leading qualifications, assessments and awards to strategic workforce planning, hands-on technical training and leadership development – equip learners and organisations to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Our Vision
We believe in a world where everyone can succeed through skills, because we understand the life-changing link between skills, social mobility and success. We measure our success in terms of the impact we have for learners, organisations and wider society, reporting annually on the social value we deliver.
Read the social impact report
Our values
- Inspire – we inspire people to raise and achieve their aspirations
- Improve – we help to improve the performance of people and organisations
- Achieve – we celebrate and make visible achievement where it matters most
- Trust – we hold ourselves accountable and act with integrity in everything we do
Our impact
Operating across multiple continents, we’ve advanced careers and businesses worldwide, touching the lives of millions of people. Our diversity of clients deepens our insight and expertise, through collaboration, networks and partnership.
- We help 1.1 million learners globally progress.
- Operating in 80+ countries.
- Generating over £15bn to UK society.
- 83% of City & Guilds trained apprentices are working in a job related to their qualification, within 3 months of completion.
- 65% of City & Guilds learners progress into employment within six months, compared to 56% of learners who study with other providers.
Our history
The City and Guilds of London Institute was founded in 1878. Until October 2025, City & Guilds awarding, assessment and training activities operated as part of the Institute’s charitable objectives to alleviate barriers to skills and employment.
Today, City & Guilds, continues this work as a commercial business, operating as an awarding organisation and training provider, increasing skills access for individuals, learners and organisations around the world. This mission is an important part of our legacy and our future as a global skills partner of choice.
The City & Guilds Foundation continues the charitable work of the City and Guilds of London Institute as a Royal Chartered body. It remains an important vehicle for high impact social investment, employer recognition awards, fellowship and advocacy programmes. All of which champion skills and their place in society as a lever for social change.
Both organisations will have a shared commitment to enhance opportunity through increased access to skills. They will be independent and distinct with a shared history and belief in the power of skills to change lives.
Our portfolio of leading skills development brands
Our specialist brands reflect a commitment to addressing the complex and changing needs of the modern workforce. Across our portfolio we partner with individuals, educators, employers and governments to:
- Deliver world-class technical, vocational, and professional education and assessment.
- Build confidence, inclusion, and economic mobility at scale.
- Shape future-ready learning through industry expertise, flexible programmes, hybrid delivery models and robust, competence focused solutions.
City & Guilds: defining and certifying technical and vocational education through assessments, awards, certifications and digital credentials. A trusted leader sought by learners, educators, and employers around the world.
ILM: uplifting leaders, at all levels, through every stage of their career. A leading provider of leadership and management qualifications.
The Oxford Group: developing the skills, behaviours and mindsets of leaders and managers, for business excellence. Experts in leadership development, coaching and organisational change.
City & Guilds Training: Transforming training delivery and technical competency for industry capability, growth and sustainable career pathways. City & Guilds Training includes specialist centres of excellence:
- Gen2 – award-winning apprenticeships and technical training in engineering and advanced manufacturing
- Intertrain – one of the UK’s largest providers of rail and safety-critical training
- City & Guilds Training - Electrical (formerly Trade Skills 4U) – the UK’s leading electrical training provider
Join us on a lifelong journey
Whether you’re an individual seeking to enhance your skills, a company needing to upskill your teams or an educational provider looking to enrich your curriculum, we’re here to support your journey
Explore how we can partner with you – believe you can