Our History
Discover the history of The Colleges’ Partnership and how we've evolved over the years.
Our History
In 1998, Wiltshire College and Somerset College came together to form The Colleges’ Partnership. Their goal was to deliver education and training to the military.
At first they offered only two apprenticeships: Engineering Maintenance, and Horse Care. Both were for the Royal Armoured Corps. But in 2003, the colleges extended their engineering apprenticeship to the Armoured Infantry.
Until November 2005, The Colleges’ Partnership was just two education providers with a shared interest. But this changed after they introduced an Advanced Telecommunications apprenticeship for the Royal School of Signals. From then on, the cooperation between Wiltshire College and Somerset College (now Wiltshire College & University Centre and Bridgewater & Taunton College) became officially recognised. The result was The Colleges’ Partnership Ltd., a limited company.
Since then we’ve significantly expanded our apprenticeships programme and in 2023 support the Air Corps, Royal Signals, Infantry and Royal Artillery, as well as numerous large and small civilian employers. We have over 5000 apprentices on programme in subjects ranging from education, to digital, to leadership and management.
We are proud to support the Armed Forces and of our enduring collaboration with our FE/HE partners.
Armed Forces Covenant
Serving personnel (regular and reserve), cadets, veterans and military families contribute incredible value to our organisation and our country. The Colleges’ Partnership is proud of our military heritage, and we actively support the Armed Forces community. Through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme we want to encourage others to do the same.
The Colleges’ Partnership holds the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.