Horizon Engineering Solutions is a technical training company, with electrical engineering and training at the heart of its business. The company also provides HSQE and facilities management (FM) services, working with multinational organisations, local businesses and individuals looking to upskill.
Its mission is simple: to help organisations build a skilled, safe and compliant workforce through high-quality training.
As experienced electrical professionals approach retirement, Horizon recognised the growing need to support the next generation of engineers with the skills and knowledge needed to meet industry demand.
Ian Lilly, Training and Development Manager at Horizon Engineering Solutions, said they’ve ‘seen a potential massive gap in the industry, where we're going to struggle to find people with the right skillset needed’.
The company has made bridging these skills gap a key focus, helping employers develop capability and prepare for the future. At the same time, customer expectations were evolving. Employers wanted greater confidence in the quality and consistency of the training they were investing in. Horizon recognised that demonstrating robust quality assurance processes could help reassure customers that its training was delivered to a recognised benchmark.
To strengthen its approach to quality assurance and demonstrate its commitment to maintaining high standards, Horizon turned to City & Guilds Assured.
The solution: City & Guilds Assured
Assured is City & Guilds’ training validation and quality assurance service. Measured against our global benchmark, it validates how training providers plan, design, maintain and evaluate your programmes. For Horizon Engineering Solutions, this provided independent recognition of the quality assurance processes underpinning its training programmes, helping demonstrate a consistent and robust approach to training delivery.
Horizon Engineering Solutions focused on two programmes during the Assured process: Low Voltage Authorised Person and High Voltage Authorised Person. Throughout the assessment, Horizon found the experience smooth and supportive, with clear guidance and access to help whenever it was needed.
The impact
Achieving City & Guilds Assured status has helped Horizon strengthen its reputation as a trusted provider of electrical training. The recognition of its quality assurance approach has helped Horizon demonstrate its commitment to maintaining high standards in how its training is planned, delivered and managed, supporting its position in a competitive market.
"Achieving City & Guilds Assured has strengthened confidence in the quality, consistency and credibility of our training programmes. The rigorous quality assurance process ensures our courses meet recognised industry standards and provide measurable value to learners and employers alike. [Assured] demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in learning delivery. It has also enhanced client confidence, helping Horizon Engineering Solutions differentiate itself as a trusted provider of professional Engineering and compliance training."
Joe Clancy, Horizon Engineering Solutions
More and more, customers are looking for training providers that can demonstrate a robust approach to quality assurance. For Horizon, City & Guilds Assured provides independent recognition of its quality assurance approach, helping the business demonstrate its commitment to consistent, high-quality training delivery. This has supported new business opportunities, increased enrolments and strengthened relationships with existing customers.
Since gaining assurance, Horizon has seen significant business growth. Delegate numbers grew by an average of 89% year on year between 2022 and 2025. Its High Voltage (HV) course has become particularly successful and now regularly fills without the need for advertising.
Other programmes, including the LVAP course, are also gaining momentum. With demand continuing to grow, Horizon is now exploring opportunities to expand its facilities and deliver even more training.
"It has enhanced our client confidence, helping Horizon Engineering Solutions differentiate itself as a trust provider of professional engineering and compliance training."
Ian Lilly, Training and Development Manager
The benefits have extended beyond new enrolments. With many courses requiring renewal every three years, Horizon is seeing learners return to refresh their skills, creating ongoing relationships with both individuals and employers. The introduction of City & Guilds digital credentials has also enabled learners to share their achievements publicly, helping to raise awareness of Horizon’s programmes.
"Training with a City & Guilds Assured Centre gave me confidence that the course was delivered to a recognised and consistently high standard. The training was practical, relevant to my role and helped me develop skills and knowledge that I can apply in the workplace. Receiving City & Guilds Assured certification also adds real value to my professional development and provides recognised evidence of the training I’ve completed."
Horizon Engineering learner
Through City & Guilds Assured, Horizon has been able to demonstrate the quality of its training, build customer confidence and continue its mission to help bridge the electrical industry's skills gap.
Find out more about Assured and take the next step towards validating your training, strengthening your brand and growing your business.