The Future Skills Development Programme category recognises initiatives that are actively building the skills, knowledge and capabilities needed for the future of the adhesives and sealants industry. It celebrates programmes that look ahead – equipping people to adapt, innovate and thrive as technologies, regulations, sustainability expectations and customer needs continue to evolve.

This category is open to BASA member organisations that have developed structured training, learning or capability‑building programmes for employees, customers or both. Whether your programme is technical, commercial, regulatory or cross‑functional, the focus is on developing skills that will matter tomorrow as well as today.

Who should enter?

You should consider entering if your organisation has delivered a programme that:

• Develops future‑focused skills, not just short‑term training
• Supports employees, customers or the wider value chain
• Improves capability, confidence, performance or engagement
• Demonstrates clear purpose and measurable outcomes

Eligible programmes may include (but are not limited to):

• Internal technical or leadership development initiatives
• Apprenticeships, graduate or early‑career development schemes
• Customer education or capability‑building programmes
• Training linked to sustainability, regulation, digitalisation or innovation

Programmes of any scale are welcome – what matters is clarity of intent, impact and forward‑looking value.

What the judges are looking for

Your entry will invite you to explain:

• What the programme is, who it is for, and why it was created
• The impact it has had, using examples or evidence where possible
• How it supports future skills needs, and how it will continue to evolve

Judges are particularly interested in programmes that clearly connect skills development to real‑world outcomes – such as improved performance, safer working, stronger customer partnerships, innovation capability or long‑term talent retention.

How to prepare your entry

Before completing the application, it may help to:

• Clarify the original purpose and skills gap the programme was designed to address
• Gather examples of outcomes, feedback or measurable improvements
• Reflect on how the programme supports future industry challenges
• Consider how it will develop or scale over time

You do not need a perfect or fully mature programme. Early‑stage initiatives with strong intent, evidence of learning and a clear future focus are equally valued.