Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), an independent innovation and technology organisation specialising in the advancement of the cell and gene therapy industry, has received two Princess Royal Training Awards in recognition of its external and internal skills programmes.
The Princess Royal Training Awards celebrate organisations that have outstanding training and skills development programmes. Launched in 2016, the awards highlight how exceptional training benefits both businesses and individuals.
CGT Catapult has received one award for its skills and training programmes that aim to ensure the advanced therapies industry has access to the expert talent it needs to develop, manufacture and deliver cell and gene therapies. Having received a Princess Royal Training Award for these programmes in 2022, the organisation has continued to build its offering for industry. Since 2022, over 9,000 courses have been completed on the CGT Catapult’s Life Sciences Learner Hub, an online platform that provides the industry with access to a carefully curated range of training courses and resources. While the organisation’s Advanced Therapies Apprenticeship Community (ATAC) has enrolled over 378 apprentices since 2022, with 160 apprentices completing their course and 88% of graduates continuing to work in the industry.
CGT Catapult received a second Princess Royal Training Award for its internal Manager Academy programme, a 12-week course that provides coaching, guidance, and scenario training. It aims to strengthen management skills and confidence, and positively impact organisational culture and retention. 50 colleagues have taken part in the academy and over 100 have attended manager or leader training courses. The training programmes will continue to be delivered in 2026.
The awards will be presented to the CGT Catapult at an event in December by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal.
As the advanced therapies sector evolves and embraces new technologies and innovations, it's a crucial time to ensure the workforce is equipped with the right skills and knowledge. We are grateful to receive this recognition of our efforts to train both our colleagues at the CGT Catapult, and in the wider industry, in the skills they need to grow in their careers and for the industry to succeed.
Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive at the CGT Catapult